I would like to ponder on the points raised in letters (Sept. 18) on issues pertaining to production of an anti-Islam film and reactions from unruly crowds across the Muslim world. As Safi in his letter has rightly pointed out freedom of speech is guaranteed in the US Constitution; obviously they are not going to amend the Constitution to restrict this freedom to cover a certain group or religion. Nevertheless, in this era of technology such restrictions are simply impractical, anyone with a camera, mike and certain knowledge of computer can produce anything and upload the same for the entire world within minutes. No one will watch that clip, as there are hundreds of thousands are already available on the Net, until you publicize the same; rambunctious mobs intended to destroy and kill anyone while protesting against the film have done this job for the filmmakers. Their violent reaction has forced even unconcerned people to watch the film; so who is at advantage — unruly crowd or mischievous filmmakers?
Yes, in certain European countries, it may be considered an offence to deny the Holocaust but mind you it’s not due to love for the Jews, but to discourage the neo-Nazists to regain the political space. The allegations raised in the film are not new, have been there for centuries but how to rebut these? An open and frank dialogue among religions may discourage such conflicts to flare up. No doubt, you can’t stop some people who want to use the history to their advantage, only way to counter them is either show no reaction and simply ignore their work, or prove them wrong with logical and historical facts. Any other means to counter them will in fact help them to increase their viewership many folds. (Masood Khan, Jubail)
T/20 World Cup fever
Having expatriate workers from most of the countries, taking part in the T/20 World Cup competition, working in the Gulf countries, the ongoing cricket matches in Sri Lanka, have created a feverish atmosphere in the region. Everyone is armed with the full schedule having marked the competitions which interest them most, mainly their own countries’ encounters. The prediction by many experts is that this 2012 competition is the most open one since the inception of the T/20 World Cup. Some ex-cricketers expect one of the Asian countries to win the tournament.
However, personally, I feel it is going to be anyone’s game and until the last ball is bowled in the final match, one will never know the ultimate winner, which is going to make the competition more interesting. Since absolute peace has been achieved, the island nation is inundated with the influx of tourists from every part of the world and now a very large number of cricket fans from the countries taking part in the competition are flooding the country.
The largest of all the visitors are from India. According to news report reaching us in the Gulf that the players as well as the multinational fans, already arrived in the island, are having a wonderful time, with the usual Sri Lankan hospitality. Everything points out to assure of a very successful tournament, thanks to the organizers. We wish the participating teams the best of luck while wishing the visitors an enjoyable stay! (S.H. Moulana, Riyadh)
Is cell phone a boon or a bane?
I was watching one very interesting program on television on cell phones and realized what are we giving our children: Opening doors to death or inviting some terminal disease for them.
People argue that it is a necessity not a luxury. If we analyze the situation we were living without them and could communicate easily. No doubt cell phones are important if we are stuck in a traffic jam or need to inform our family in case of emergency. Today teenagers use it for luxury for hours without realizing the possible threats they are going to face soon. Brain tumors are on rise because of its long usage. We should not become slaves to technology rather make it our servant. If we look at the pros and cons, definitely the disadvantages will outweigh the advantages. We need to sit and ponder where are we heading. Is it really important to give cell phones to young children who do not even need them as they are dependent on adults when they go out so where is the emergency to use the cell phones? (Mumtaz Rizvi, Dammam)
Letters — Freedom of speech in the West
