Here is the New Yorker’s reaction to the mass shooting at the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris.
Click to read the essay by Amy Davidson.
And a 2012 quote from Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane “Charb” Charbonnier, who was killed today: “A drawing has never killed anyone.”
Click to read Alexandra Petri’s Washington Post essay on the pen vs. the sword.
And, finally, Salman Rushdie’s statement, via the Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog. Bold/linked emphasis is my own:
“Religion, a mediaeval form of unreason, when combined with modern weaponry becomes a real threat to our freedoms. This religious totalitarianism has caused a deadly mutation in the heart of Islam and we see the tragic consequences in Paris today. I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity. ‘Respect for religion’ has become a code phrase meaning ‘fear of religion.’ Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect.”
It’s horrifying, and in the name of “God”. I know you and Mr. B. have supported journalists all over the world, thank you. If we lose our freedom to speak, criticize, and even mock, we are like slaves.
SMH. I’m not particularly amused by a lot of Charlie Hebdo’s work but I fully support anyone’s right to nonviolent expression!
I have a lot of artists in my family, and I support everyone’s right to express their feelings, opinions, whatevs.
This saddens me and puzzles me. But then again, I’m just a little ‘ol gal on the Nature Coast of Florida.
*sadness*
I find this shocking & sad and agree with everything said here. Rushdie is right, this has turned into a ‘fear of religion.’
I really like what Rushdie has to say and he certainly knows from personal experience.
This is sickening. Religious fanatics just disgust me. I could say so much here, but it just makes me angry. Stupid, fearful, hateful idiots.
I really like Rushdie’s statement as well.
Rushdie has lived this, that’s for sure!