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Backgnd :
Independent Dutch film maker Van Gogh made a 10min film
"Submission". Go watch the clip (URL provided above). Muslim
community naturily find this film an afront to them and criticise
the film
Do note Van Gogh himself is a controversial film maker who has also
offended others like Jews, politicians, actors, film directors,
writers etc.
According to below Wikipedia info, his is basically
anti-establishment.
In fact, he already display such nature much earlier when he
dropped out of law school and turn to his passion of film
making.
Details available @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_van_Gogh_(film_director)
Environment:
Eventhough his father who works for gov (Dutch secret service), the
inheritance of humanist artistory remains unbroken. Such gene runs
strong in his family linag. His great-grandfather was art dealer,
and great-granduncle the famous painter, Vincent van Gogh.
The tolerant nature of Dutch politics, society and its ppl also
provide him space for his creative (if not controversial)
streaks.
His works can be challenged and questioned. That is a classic case
where multi-ethnic Netherland had got used to for yrs until 4 Nov
2004.
The Murder:
Go read above link.
The Aftermath:
Dutch society has now become much last tolerant, esp on North
African immigrants where majority are Muslim. THis is concerns me
as the effect of one extremist has already increased the fissue
within this very tolerant and open country. This is exactly what we
are observing now in France ongoing unrest.
The Question:
Murder of Van Goph epitomise how certain group with the clear
agenda to create and fansuspisions, hate and violence thru the
medium of religion.
How can this be stopped ?
Do we prevent pple like Van Goph from exercsing his views ?
Or we keep silence on the Act of silencing him (aka censorship)
?
Does that mean by the act of silence, we are condoning the act of
violence in the name of religion ?
Has moderation and tolerance become such rare commodity now that
any implied remarks, expressions, innuendo can lead to social
mistrust and breakdown of communications ?
The murderer himself is a classic case of a victim influence by
Extremism.
He was born in Amsterdam, well-educated, has both Dutch-Moroccan
nationalities and has apparently well-integrated in Dutch
puralistic society.
Who should be held accountable ?
Does open expressions means chance for intolerance to breed ?
Or is openess itself should be curtained for the sake of
controlling extremism ?
Do share your thoughts.
