Religion and Freedom of Speech
The Marginalisation of Religion
© Ben Hughes
Nov 15, 2006
Is being religious really that different from having a different skin colour or a disability? It's about time society realises that people with beliefs have feelings too
When talking about freedom of speech, the hot topic of modern times is religion. It is illegal to talk of other races, colours, genders or ages in derogatory terms but religion is one of the grey areas we aren’t quite sure about. But should this be the case?
We can’t be blamed for the skin colour we’re born with or whether we’re a man or a woman, or the family we’re born into: rich or poor. We can’t be faulted for the religion we’re born into or the traditions our family has kept for generations either, although we can change our religion, but not our DNA.
But when we think of a religion, what does it mean to us? A religion is a set of beliefs and guidelines on which a follower bases his or her life, something which means everything to that person. It is a guide for our lives and both drives us forward when we need motivation and supports us when we feel weak. So to have our religion criticised is offensive to say the least.
It’s not about the jokes we all tell but the meaningful and hurtful comments, the personal attacks and the laughing behind our backs. This is much more than the innocent funny stories and gags but it’s the intentional mocking of one of the most important things in our lives.
We are living in a world which promotes the individualism and is obsessed with materialism, where respect for each other takes second place. The recent criminal case brought against the British National Party in Leeds, England, shows that freedom of speech is alive and kicking and that openly criticising the Qur’an and describing Islam as a “wicked, vicious faith” isn’t considered to be racial hatred. If this had been said about black people or disabled people it would be interesting to see whether or not the verdict might have differed.
Although I’m not in favour of restricting freedom of speech, there needs to be some tightening of the laws so that everyone is treated equally. Then maybe all religions would be treated the same. There wouldn't be any pandering to one religion for fear of alienating them and religions could be allowed freedom in education, broadcasting and political life.
It is my hope that one day society will realise that religious people are just people who have choosen to live their lives according to a particular doctrine. This does not mean they should be marginalised, treated with disrespect or suffer under unfair laws.
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Comments
Nov 17, 2006 9:59 AM
HELEN HUGHES
:
I don't mean to sound paranoid, but doesn't freedom of speech about religion seem to be brushed aside when we are talking about Christianity? If someone mentions any other religion there is uproar, but anyone can have a jibe at Christianity. In the UK, there was alot in the media about a play containing a rape and murder in a Gurdwara and it was subsequently cancelled. I heard that there was a lot of Christians against the screening of the Jerry Springer opera but that didn't make much of headline news but Christians found it very offensive.
Does it all come down to me(i.e.Christian) not standing up to taunts about my own religious beliefs where maybe someone else has more respect and will stand up for their beliefs.
I think maybe the media play a huge role in rousing people I think they are the ones who have the greatest influence over what people think and I think they have to take some responsibility for the uproar about the veils. ...listen to me I could go on forever, don't want to read back what I've read in case it's all jibberish, let me know your thoughts!
Nov 19, 2006 10:13 AM
Ben Hughes
:
I can see what you mean. But how much of this is Christianity being marginalised accidentally and how much is it the authorities pandering to other religions so not to be offensive?
I think that different religions are treated differently in an attempt not to be seen to exclude anyone from society.
Perhaps it's just those with the loudest voices that win, just as in the rest of the world.
Keep an eye out for future articles on the influence of the media. I think they have a lot to answer for and probably are at least as anti-religious as most other people.
Just as a closing thought, how much do you think people are offended by anti-religious jokes because they feel they should be rather than taking it with a pinch of salt and having a laugh?
Nov 21, 2006 4:55 AM
HELEN HUGHES
:
Thanks for your response. I think you are right the people with the loudest voices always get their way.
With regards to the anti-religious jokes it got me thinking about how as a race in general Brits do tend to be able to laugh at themselves I'm not sure of another race who does it to the same extent. I am white British. I have had 'anti white' comments but I didn't take offence at all. I suppose my colour doesn't define who I am. When people have made more personal comments I find that offensive even if they are saying something as a laugh. Maybe jokes are hurtful when it hits your personally.
If someone where to slag off my belief system, I'm not sure how I would feel about that. I know I haven't really stood up for my beliefs in the past which goes back to my previous post about maybe I don't respect my beliefs as much as other people respect their religious beliefs. If your religion defines then its a fair comment to be offended by anti-religious jokes.
However I don't think that religion is as big a personal thing for alot of people and I think that culture and religion get blurred. I think it is a valid comment that people feel they ought to be offended by an 'anti-religious joke' even if they don't believe of have any personal feeling for their religion. I think the media again have to accept some responsibility for this they blow things completely out of proportion and incite people into being offended.
Nov 21, 2006 8:40 AM
Ben Hughes
:
Do you think non-Christians are too touchy about their religion or that Christians aren't sensitive enough? I'm wondering if it's a bit of both or if people who like to define themselves as Christians aren't really Christians. I've met a lot of people who call themselves Christians but never go to church, never pray and admit to hating God. Whereas a lot of Muslims I know understand very little about their religion but are very loyal to it. (This is a generalisation of the religions I know.)
Is it the solidarity and united front presented by some religions which has the impact and the apathy and hypocritcal attitude of other "religious" people who give their religions a bad name?
I know what you mean about people being defined by their religion, but isn't this is what religion is about? If people can't be defined by their beliefs and actions, what is the point?
