The Hate Game

I just couldn't resist weighing in on this crisis involving the comics that the Danish press released featuring the Muslim prophet Muhammed. Naturally, I have to agree the comics were in bad taste, should not be run again, and the Danish press should issue a formal appology. At this point, however, it is clear the protests are no longer about the comics, but Europe - and the rest of the world's - lack of understanding of Muslim culture. I mean, the comics featured a bomb-shaped turban on Muhammed's head - YIKES!! I think the sheer amount of violence is indicitive of what happens when a segment of society feels marginalized. Be it school shootings resulting from prolonged bullying, or the recent riots in the slums of France, we have seen what happens when humans feel mis-understood, threatened, and victimized. Layer that with generations of abject poverty and violence, and the world has a problem. What really frustrates me is the fundamentalist leaders are blowing this situation out of control for their own gains, encouraging violent protests and hate. It's so sad.

So ... what can we do about it? I think as citizens of a GLOBAL community we all need to get on board and get informed about the cultures, religions, and serious issues of the world around us. War, violence and mis-trust stem from fear, and we fear what we don't know.