On Jan.7, the words “Breaking News” were flashing on television screens no matter what news channel one switched to across the globe. To be honest, a TV screen without “breaking news” is good news. It was the day when the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, came under attack. During such strikes, it is difficult for the relevant authorities to have a clear picture of the chain of events taking place on the site. Due to this reason, people rely on the media to keep abreast of developments.
These days, people not only rely on television channels but also on the social media. It would not be wrong to say that media shape public opinion. In the wake of such tragedies, the first words that are aired make all the difference. Many Arabs/Muslims denounced the Paris attack but their voices were lost either in translation or were overshadowed by the irresponsible utterings of a few ignorant Arabs/Muslims.
Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries were the first ones to have denounced the attack but many people and major websites such as SUSRIS asked why major news networks such as the CNN were complaining about the silence of moderate Arab leaders over the issue.
This was a legitimate question but some Arab/ Muslim news editors’ irresponsible comments overshadowed the voice of the moderates. One of the irresponsible comments was posted on Twitter by someone called Abdulah Al-Athbah who apparently works as an editor for a Qatari daily. The tweet said: “I beg all Muslims not to apologize for the killing of the journalists and don’t apologize for something you didn’t do.” Many people responded saying who asked the Muslims to apologize and who said that Muslims did it. Amid confusion, which is natural during and after such incidents, Al-Athbah’s comments were uncalled for and such comments only create problems for Muslims living in the West. Sadly, it later emerged that Muslim militants had carried out the attack. As I said earlier, it is the media that can shape the general opinion. So, let us go to an earlier terrorist attack that took place in Arar, Saudi Arabia, just a few days before the Paris attack and see what we read in an irresponsible newspaper. The editorial of the newspaper called the terrorists “martyrs” thus clearly expressing support for those unscrupulous elements.
Nowadays, France is on a high alert. What happened is not going to be easily forgotten. But, the French people, political parties and the government have to be given credit for their positive attitude toward French Muslims thus making it clear that there is a difference between Islam and the behavior of the few. And it is true that Muslims and many people in France don’t agree with what Charlie Hebdo publishes but there are many ways in the French legal system that can be used to express dissatisfaction and objection toward a drawing.
Using force is not the solution to any problem. Staying calm and adopting civilized ways is the best way to resolve any conflict. At the end, I think it is wise and prudent for any media outlet (print or otherwise) to refrain from offending any group of people. France is a melting pot of different cultures and people in France are very tolerant toward people of other faiths. It would be better for Muslims to be part of the society and not a burden on it. During the attack and the hostage crisis we witnessed two noble gestures. First when two Muslim policemen were protecting the streets of Paris but ended up getting killed by terrorists. And the other is when we saw a Muslim in the kosher store risked his life to save some of the hostages.
