Comments on: Culture gap?

By: eulogist

eulogist — Fri, 05 Nov 2004 13:39:32 +0000

So we agree on the principles then, the difference being one of degrees. I think it is impossible to set clear rules for this; the only way to judge is on a case-by-case basis (I know this can be hard to accept for some ;)). The thing to consider is the most likely effect of what is said. Therefore, context matters a lot. In my view, it does make a difference whether you say “kill Bush” on an islamist website frequented by potential Mohammed Attas, on that of the Guardian frequented by potential, er, Clare Shorts, or on a website like that Norwegian one, frequented by radical greenies. As I see it, the first case would be a definite nono, the second a definite yesyes, and the third a maybebetternotbutImnotsure.

By: Each era creates its own taboos

Each era creates its own taboos — Fri, 05 Nov 2004 12:22:33 +0000

I don’t really agree.
You refer yourself to the Fortuyn assassination in Holland, a year ago there was the Lindh assassination in Sweden, and just a few days ago the Van Gogh murder). All cases show it takes only one madman…

People with voice and influence, whether they are politicians, writers or pop artists, should realize their words can be interpreted in an awful lot of ways when magnified and echoed through the loudspeakers of the media. They should realize their responsibility and show restraint - and referral to murder or violence, be it even in irony, is simply a line not to be crossed.
(So I do approve for example the Oslo police action last week).