The definition of satire is: the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
In case anyone hasn't read the whole thread, I repeat Mishap's description of two supposed satirical cartoons:
In one, Muhammad is bending over naked, a star covering his arsehole; the caption reads "A star is born."
In another, above the caption "The film that will set the Muslim world on fire," Muhammad is shown naked lying on a bed, being filmed from behind, saying "My arse? And you love it, my arse?"
In what way can this be considered to be a sophisticated form of satirical commentary, used to expose the absurdity of a political or religious issue? To me it is just coarse, juvenile humour that serves no useful purpose at all.
I do think it is unnecessarily offensive and I would consider it to be so if Jesus or any other religious or culturally significant figure were depicted instead of Muhammad. As Mishap said, is this what "freedom of speech" is all about? I don't believe such material should be censored or prohibited but I won't rush to praise it.
It should not be necessary for me to say that I am as horrified as everyone else about the pointlessness and savagery of these murders, but I'll do so to avoid the charge that I'm an apologist for terrorism.
