Satirical images prompt debate over censorship-Media avoid upset by not reprinting cartoons on Islam

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 2/4/6 | Heidi Benson

[SmithL]

American media outlets faced a dilemma Friday that underscored the sensitive nature of depicting Islam.

Should they publish the satirical images that have offended millions of Muslims across the globe? Or should they censor themselves, denying a chance for readers and viewers to judge the cartoons for themselves?

Most decided against reprinting the images.

The Muhammad cartoons -- one of which depicts Islam's holy prophet wearing a ticking bomb as a turban -- were first published in a Danish newspaper in September.

When a handful of European newspapers reprinted the cartoons in December, violent protests erupted in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The protests continue.

As the news value of the cartoons increased, broadcasters and print publications had to decide whether their duty to inform the public would outweigh the potential for offending Muslims.

"CNN has chosen to not show the cartoons out of respect for Islam," the cable news giant announced Friday. CBS Evening News made a similar statement Thursday.

"For the most part, the U.S. papers, including the Washington Post and Cleveland Plain Dealer, have decided that these are offensive images, so they are not using them," said Joe Strupp of Editor & Publisher magazine.

[SmithL]

This is the same media that shows no restraint whatsoever in ridiculing Christians.

[jdm]

"Satirical images prompt debate over censorship-Media avoid upset FREE SPEECH by not reprinting cartoons on Islam"

[axes_of_weezles]

Two Words for the Comical

Mark Morford

[HitmanLV]

I think that's it. And i can understand why. The worst an offended christian or jew will do is maybe protest, send some letters, and maybe pray for you. If the are really upset they might try a boycott.

The worst an offended Muslim will do is kidnap you and decapitate you, or bomb your offices.

[Drew68]

"CNN has chosen to not show the cartoons out of respect for Islam,"

That and they don't want to see their offices firebombed and employees beheaded.

[Tzimisce]

Let's see - the MSM defends:

Elephant dung on the Virgin Mary and a painting of Osama bin Ladin as Christ, but these pictures are too sensitive?

The MSM wants us all to go see "Brokeback Mountain" but the video of people jumping out of the towers on 9-11 is too much for us?

What a bunch of a$$hole$ - welcome to leftist America.

[FreedomNeocon]

Yep... no showing images of 9/11, terrorist be-headings, charred cars in fallujia, or cartoons of MoHamHead.... but didn't we get 40+ straight days of Abu Graib front page news and pics?

Priorities.. priorities...

[Doogle]

...but they post racially marked cartoons of Condi or Powell

typical


Doogle

[FreedomNeocon]

I just had a HORRIBLE thought.... how far behind can ISLAMIC GOOGLE be?!?!

[Dark Skies]

"CNN has chosen to not show the cartoons out of respect for Islam," the cable news giant announced Friday. CBS Evening News made a similar statement Thursday.

And their respect for freedom of speech?

[Lexington Green]

Gutless Wonders

[Recovering Hermit]

I just had a HORRIBLE thought.... how far behind can ISLAMIC GOOGLE be?!?!

Have you seen the Chinese google?

[SmithL]

Even I wouldn't post yesterday's morfordite rant.

[Arrowhead1952]

As per the American LSM:
Good catroon for freedom of speech.

As per the State Dept, bad offending cartoon.

[Ninian Dryhope]

Or hurting our national security by publishing top secret intelligence information.

Those stupid cartoons should be on every TV show, every newspaper, every magazine, and every billboard in the country. Their stupid religious laws do not apply to us and if they do not like it, too bad. I don't like Muslims, either, so we are even.

[jazusamo]

I find it extremely hypocritical that the Washington Post chose not to run them because they were offensive to someone but they ran the cartoon depicting a quadruple amputee American soldier to discredit Rumsfeld.

[StACase]

American media outlets faced a dilemma...depicting Islam.

Should they publish...Or should they censor themselves...

They should not give in to the demands of Islamic crazies for the same reason adults should not give in to the demands of spoiled brats.

This is a perfect illustration of what's wrong with left wing thinking.

[Plymouth Sentinel]

Exceedingly hypocritical.

[ncountylee]

"CNN...the cable news giant..."

They wish.