Anthea Butler, professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania, wrote an article in USA Today in which she argues for the arrest of the filmmaker--'Sam Bacile'--behind the movie which incited riots throughout the Middle East.
While most Americans agree the film--which disparages Muhammad and Islam through historical falsehoods--is horrible, Butler believes the deaths of Americans in Libya also revokes the filmmaker's right to free speech.
Her reasoning? The film "denigrates" a religion and created riots in foreign countries which "don't understand or respect our right" to free speech--and because the movie is hateful and caused deaths thousands of miles outside American borders, Bacile should be arrested, says Butler.
But don't get confused, Butler reminds us--"If there's anyone who values free speech, it is a tenured professor!"
Sigh.
[[[grabs some Advil for my headache]]]
Not only do Libyans not understand how the first amendment in the United States works, it seems neither does Butler.
Yet, President Obama spoke to the United Nations General Assembly today and had this to say about the movie and the deaths in Libya (transcript from the New York Times):
That is what we saw play out in the last two weeks, as a crude and disgusting video sparked outrage throughout the Muslim world...I believe its message must be rejected by all who respect our common humanity.
I know there are some who ask why we don’t just ban such a video. And
the answer is enshrined in our laws: Our Constitution protects the right
to practice free speech.
Here in the United States, countless publications provoke offense. Like me, the majority of Americans are Christian, and yet we do not ban blasphemy against our most sacred beliefs. As President of our country and Commander-in-Chief of our military, I accept that people are going to call me awful things every day --(laughter)-- and I will always defend their right to do so.
Here in the United States, countless publications provoke offense. Like me, the majority of Americans are Christian, and yet we do not ban blasphemy against our most sacred beliefs. As President of our country and Commander-in-Chief of our military, I accept that people are going to call me awful things every day --(laughter)-- and I will always defend their right to do so.
-------
Don't tell this to Professor Butler though. She might demand your arrest for disagreeing with her.
UPDATE 9/28:
Anthea Butler must be made of magic and gypsy tears--because 'Sam Bacile' was arrested, per her demand.
Sadly, for Anthea Butler, her magical powers are limited. Bacile was arrested because he's a shady guy with roughly a million probation violations against him, and cops enjoy it when criminals kind of just fall into their lap.
No comments:
Post a Comment