19. Never!
Image credits: Korneel Jeuken
Salman Rushdie has these words in response to Wednesday's attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo:
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.
Other artist responses:
2. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
15.
Image credits: Orgulloy Satisfaccion
23. Without humor we are all dead
See more powerful reactions here.
As I reflect on yesterday's attack and the tragic chronology of violence we've witnessed over the years in the name of religion, I have many questions--indeed many more questions than answers.
What I know and believe is that this work--the socially engaged, critical expression of all artists--helps to keep us from turning completely inward, from shutting down and retreating into the narrow confines of our own limited thinking, helps us stave off complacency, and does ultimately promote change.
I stand with Charlie Hebdo and I hope for peace.
(Images via www.demilked.com--thank you.)
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