Norwegian comedian Thomas Seltzer. Picture from NRK P3.
In 2006 funnyman Otto Jespersen demonstrated his courageous wit by torching the Bible. When asked why he did not burn the Koran, he replied: “We considered that too, but could not get hold of a copy. What is more I am 52 years old now and reckon that I still have twenty more good years to live” (Bt.no).
Today, on the very same day as several Swedish newspapers are publishing Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilk’s drawings of Muhammed-as-a-dog in solidarity with the recently uncovered assassination plot agains the cartoonist’s life, Norwegian funnymen are again displaying their fear-driven respect for Islam. The NRK (State Channel) humor program Trygdekontoret (Benefits Office) has chosen to censor a cartoon of Muhammed they originally considered displaying during their show. The drawing they will display instead will be a blackened-out version of the original, and will as such not be in mockery of anything except the humor program itself. Unauthorized translation from NRK.no:
- It is first and foremost out of pure fear for reprisals from radical islamists that we have decided not to display the cartoon, says program leader Thomas Seltzer to NRK.no.
Unauthorized translation from Dagbladet.no:
Today program leader Thomas Seltzer says that “Benefits Office” editors alone have decided to censor the cartoon when it is displayed this evening.
- We stood at a crossings with signs pointing in two directions. There were two cities we could visit: the one is called “be hung and have your throat slit”, the other city is named “safety, joy and cowardice”, says Seltzer.
- So you admit that you are cowards not to display the Muhammed cartoon?
- We have to admit it, says Seltzer.
This is an interesting turn of events. We are so often told that we do not have radical islamism in Norway – only some few isolated extremist individuals. So why are Norwegian funnymen censoring themselves? Who are they afraid of?
Hey, look over your shoulder.
Israel is violating humanitarian law!
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I think the premise of the story is incorrect.
In fact all funnymen are fearful of insulting Mo, but this gentleman is more public about it.
[...] Norwegian funnymen fearful of insulting Muhammed | Norway, Israel … [...]
Dear Vanfield
You definitely have a point. This particular comedian is honest about his fears, which is good. But the problem remains: Norwegians are now censoring themselves out of fear of insulting Islam, whereas other religions may be insulted with impunity. This makes for an imbalance which is accentuated by the feelings of shame many Norwegian media-types, politicians and academics must be feeling. They know exactly what they are doing, and why, and they need to vent their frustration somehow. And how, I wonder, will this fear and shame manifest itself?
Best regards
Christian