I support the movement for the reason Rehanism mentioned earlier-Changing the
response by making them get used to it.The process is called systematic desensitization.-a natural process in which human produce less emotional or physical response to a repeated stimulus.The result is the same when done on a individual or on masses.The result is also the same regardless of whether the stimulus is naturally occurring or brought about by an external force.
One can find loads of clinical and empirical evidence and case studies about it, even online.Plenty of social evidences as well.One such would be the gradual tolerance of homosexuality in the West.Same-sex couples kissing would have been a downright outrageous sight some years ago.Now,not so much.The evolution of Christianity from perhaps the most violent religion in the past to its more tolerant form is another one.There was a time when slight offenses could get one crucified or burned at stake.Even Galileo came close to it merely for supporting Copernican heliocentrism.Now Dan Brown can write Jesus Christ is not God and had secret affair with Mary Magdalene without getting shot.What has changed? The constant and gradual exposure to opposing ideals and counter beliefs gradually made people more comfortable with it.The intention is to lessen the response and thereby making it more favourable to the society, not a reversal of ideals.To a Christian, what Dan Brown has written could still be unpardonable,but not provocative enough to resort to violence in the name of it.After all,a provocation is only as powerful as the response it generates.
Cartoons of Muhammad too will go the same way.Muslims badly need desensitization.Need evidence?Switch on Al Jazeera or BBC Middleast news,you will find that in plenty.After all,who needs it more than those who kills someone just because he or she drew a picture that offended them?
To me this is not about Free speech vs hate speech.That's something which has different interpretations in different places,it seems.People are free to draw lines where ever they want.Not reliable enough to take a stand.I'm only interested in the intentions and possible outcomes.Since Pamela Geller is a known anti-Islamic activist,I doubt whether the organizers have any good intentions in mind.More likely,they are just mocking the religion.
However,regardless of whether the organizers are aware of it or not,such movements can gradually make Islam a more liberal and peaceful religion.I support it for that possible outcome.
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