Dutch blogger starts Mohammed parody contest

In a move which is both courageous and stupid, Dutch blogger 'Reet' (a Dutch colloquialism for 'ass') of the blog 'Retecool' (a Dutch colloquialism for, er, "really" cool) has started a Photoshop contest in which participants create parodies of Mohammed. The contest can be viewed here (a mirror can be found here).

It's a brave move which I applaud, especially considering the cowardly attitude of the European Commission, which, according to Elsevier, seeks to curtail the press rather than deal with the real issue at hand: the lack of respect amongst some Muslims for freedom of speech (if not sheer hatred). Then again, the Balkan Wars should tell you all there is to know about the 'courage' of European leaders.

And yes, some of the photographs on Retecool are childish, rude or both. But that's how I felt about 'The Last Temptation of Christ' when I grew up, still being an orthodox Christian at the time. Which is precisely why I didn't demonstrate in the streets or threaten anyone, as arguing with a fool only makes it harder for other people to spot the difference. If only some people in the Middle East would figure that one out.

(By the way, what the hell is the State Department thinking? In case LGF's assessment of the situation turns out to be wrong, perhaps Bush should call Sarkozy for some pointers.)

Update 0.09, 4-2-06: Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant has been threatened for publishing the Danish cartoons. I've criticized de Volkskrant many times on this blog for their p.c. attitudes, but they deserve kudos for this. Unlike the BBC, I might add.

Update 0.56, 4-2-06: Real brave people at CNN.

Shouldn't that be 'out of fear'?

Update 1.15, 4-2-06: Another fine example of tolerance and respect

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