The Obligation To Insult

See-Dubya has a thoughtful piece about South Park, the cartoon wars, and Islam.

I agree, there is no general duty to mock or ridicule. And I would take no delight in mocking Islam as a general matter-- there are things like courtesy and respect.

However, I do think it becomes a duty to mock or ridicule when some people threaten to kill you if you do. Courtesy and respect do not come at the end of a knife used to saw off a head. What Islamists seek is our subordination -- at which point it becomes necessary to resist by all means necessary. And courtesy and respect go out the window.

As long as Islamists aren't trying to kill me or subordinate me to their religion (not mine), I am more than willing to refrain from insulting something sacred to them.

The moment the request for respect comes as a demand, with the threat of violence for non-compliance, the proper response must be "Fuck you and your pedophilic murderer of a 'prophet' (and God-damn him to Hell).'"

That's not polite. Nor is it respectful. But neither is arson, bombing, maiming, and murder. Courtesy and respect are to be offered only to those civilized enough to offer it in return.

To the civilized and peaceful, respect is owed. But for murderous blackmailers, defiance and derision is demanded.

The American Street... is becoming radicalized, Chums. The American Street is getting just about ready to erupt into violence itself.

You don't want that. You may think you do, but you don't.

posted by Ace at 10:38 PM

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