The Right To Be Offensive?

[LazyGun]

Been a story bubbling under at the LSE for around 12 months now regarding the Atheist Secular and Humanist society. About a year ago they had a pineapple on their stand at freshers week with a label on it that said Mohammed. Complaints from muslims followed, the society was lambasted by the authorities, pineapple with label removed on the grounds of offence to a religion.

A year on, similar issue with an even more craven and heavy handed approach from the the powers that be.

ASH stand, volunteers wearing "jesus and mo" t-shirts. Vaguely humorous, not especially offensive. Muslims complain, this time the stand is surrounded by many security guards and volunteers are asked to remove T-shirts cos its offensive. I mean, come on, this is getting silly. This is at a university, a place that supposedly venerates the spirit of enquiry and the persuit of truth and free expression!

http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterfliesandwheels/2013/10/chris-and-abhishek-report-what-happened-at-lse-yesterday/

[Zacs-Master]

When I was in a band (yes, surprising I know) we did a CND gig in about 1981 and I wore a t shirt which read 'nuke the bastard5'. I believe being offensive prompts deeper thought.

[naomi24]

I bet you thought all those people screaming at you and ripping at your shirt were fans. ;o)

[jim360]

People have the right to be offensive and the responsibility not to be.

[naomi24]

I wonder if it ever occurs to those who cry ‘offence’ at perceived slights against religion that their attempts to silence criticism is actually offensive to those whose freedom to criticise they seek to restrict? Just a thought.

[jomifl]

Does islam have the sole rights to the name mohammed?probably not. Is it copyrighted like 'mickey mouse'? I don't think so. If children can be named mohammed then why not a dog or a pineapple.
Some americans call a WC. bowl a 'john', not many baptists get overwrought as a consequence.

[jomifl]

I think the onus would be upon the offended muslims to prove that the pineapple was not mohammed.

[mibn2cweus]

Being a school of economics, they must have been aware that cutting into another's prophets invariably leads to cries of, "unfair competition!"

[sandyRoe]

Did no Christians protest?

[Eve]

From my recollections of my uni days, the student societies fair was meant to be a safe space environments.

The armed forces were not allowed in due to their anti-LGB stance. I remember being interviewed outside under a tree for the University Air Squadron. I have a feeling the CU may not have been allowed in too, for a similar reason, though I can't be certain on that. I do remember there were issues with their anti-LGB views though.

There shouldn't be anything offensive to anyone on show or vocalised in what is considered to be a safe space environment.

[SirOracle]

Fred. You ask why a pineapple ?
Maybe something to do with a "pineapple-bomb",a particular nasty type of cluster bomb,not unknown to be used by terrorists.

[ludwig]

// @Ludwig. True enough. Should we just stop challenging Islam's sensibilities then, do you think? //

No of course not. I was just clarifying those sensibilities for anyone who wasn't sure.

[Peter Pedant]

Jno says: It doesn't have to be a pineapple; a fridge, blanket or cup of tea would have had the same effect. It says to Muslims: your prophet is so unimportant that I will attach his name to inanimate objects at random.

Jno I think yo need a bit more sugar in your tea.
If what you say is true - then substitute Jesus/Christian and it should have the same meaning and effect - and clearly doesnt.


and what about a doll labelled Mo ? If someone labelled a Barbie Doll St Mary I am not sure if anyone would turn a hair.

Times change - a lot - the college what I went to for Math, would exclude a student if he said to another 'You are terroristen'

[ludwig]

jno // it doesn't have to be a pineapple; a fridge, blanket or cup of tea would have had the same effect. It says to Muslims: your prophet is so unimportant that I will attach his name to inanimate objects at random. //

This is close, but it's not quite right. I'll put in the two missing words and emphasise them..

// it doesn't have to be a pineapple; a fridge, blanket or cup of tea would have had the same effect. It says to Muslims: your prophet is so unimportant TO ME that I will attach his name to inanimate objects at random. //

..and there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to make such a statement about Mohammed, Jesus, or whoever the hell they like. If radical muslims weren't such a paranoid, intolerant bunch of facists they'd ignore it.

Did anyone actually complain anyway, or was it just the authorities being offended on everyone elses behalf as usual?

[LazyGun]

@Ludwig There were some complaints from students apparently, or at least that is what has been claimed.

[beso]

I believe that Mohammed was a complete *** but I would not be allowed to say so because it would offend Muslims.

I find it offensive that the religious expect to have their faith considered as significant when designing public policy. Should they be told to shut up?

I find it offensive that the religious venerate a book that upholds genocide as evidence of divine inspiration. If I point out that these Hebrew beliefs are disgusting I am accused of Antisemitism.

The Pope claimed that atheism is the source of what is wrong in the world that is considered reasonable comment.

The double standards are rampant. Many countries have laws that prohibit religious discrimination but specifically allow the religious to openly discriminate. The right to religious expression is upheld but those who criticise religion are deemed to be offensive.

The situation has to change. The religious resist because they know their cults are built on ignorance will not withstand the truth.