Even the "Prophet" is on our side The recent murders of the journalists at the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo have been condemned by nearly all, and sent the world into a state of shock over such an act of barbarity.
Millions marched across the world to show their sympathy and solidarity with the victims of this horrendous insult to civilization. Yet, at the same time, a worldwide debate has now broken out over whether or not to show either the controversial cartoons that apparently sparked this affront to humanity, or to continue to blur images that some claim are offensive.
Of course, most American media outlets have refused to show the Charlie Hebdo images out of a self-proclaimed adherence to "journalistic standards" rooted in respect.
Shame for some - a proud moment for others
Meanwhile, in France, Montreal, and many other places, the media has shown the cartoons that are the subject of this debate. Not gratuitously - but because they are part of the story. They are news - and the story cannot be honestly covered without showing them. And to me, that equals integrity and a refusal to give in to intimidation from those who would destroy our freedoms.
I can only say that in my opinion, any "news" outlet that does not show this cartoons in their coverage of this vitally important story has abdicated their responsibility as a news organization, and as journalists. They have surrendered to terror and hate. And for them to then say they support the right of Charlie Hebdo - and anyone else - to be free in what they write and publish is pure, undiluted hypocrisy - and more damaging to press freedom than a thousand terrorists.
Millions marched across the world to show their sympathy and solidarity with the victims of this horrendous insult to civilization. Yet, at the same time, a worldwide debate has now broken out over whether or not to show either the controversial cartoons that apparently sparked this affront to humanity, or to continue to blur images that some claim are offensive.
Of course, most American media outlets have refused to show the Charlie Hebdo images out of a self-proclaimed adherence to "journalistic standards" rooted in respect.
Shame for some - a proud moment for others
Meanwhile, in France, Montreal, and many other places, the media has shown the cartoons that are the subject of this debate. Not gratuitously - but because they are part of the story. They are news - and the story cannot be honestly covered without showing them. And to me, that equals integrity and a refusal to give in to intimidation from those who would destroy our freedoms.
I can only say that in my opinion, any "news" outlet that does not show this cartoons in their coverage of this vitally important story has abdicated their responsibility as a news organization, and as journalists. They have surrendered to terror and hate. And for them to then say they support the right of Charlie Hebdo - and anyone else - to be free in what they write and publish is pure, undiluted hypocrisy - and more damaging to press freedom than a thousand terrorists.
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