Protesters outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo register discontent over
a film about the Prophet Mohammad made by a shadowy
figure in the
United States, Sept. 12.
America is 'Disrespectful'
of Other Cultures (Global Times, People's Republic of China)
Is Middle East unrest
targeting U.S. diplomatic compounds proof that America is insensitive to other
cultures - and is Beijing in any position to lecture others about the issue?
This editorial from China's state-run Global
Times advises Washington that because of their 'relatively disadvantageous
position in the world', Muslims are hypersensitive, so extra precautions must
be taken not to offend them.
Incensed: Protesters carry a flag that reads 'No God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet,' and chant anti-American. slogans, during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Anger has spread across the Muslim world over a film ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad.
Two American combat ships are steaming toward Libya intent on
avenging the death of the U.S. ambassador to that country. But the target of
the vengeance is not a country or any group we know of. With the attackers having
long since disappeared, it will be challenging to find precisely who or where
to attack.
The swift deployment of combat ships demonstrates American
military power. But if military means could resolve everything, Washington
would likely be free of difficulty.
In reality, military means are no panacea. Against a wave of
anti-American sentiment in the Arab world, U.S. warships are more like window
dressing than a solution.
Posted by Worldmeets.US
Libyans are greatly offended by a film made in the United
States that is regarded as insulting to the Prophet Mohammed. And Arabs demand
that the United States respect their culture. Cannon-laden warships will not
serve that purpose. Even if Washington catches and punishes the assailants, the
culture clashes still remain. Warships will do nothing but generate more hatred
from the Islamic world.
The United States has the most advanced civilization in the
world, and Americans hold a deep sense of cultural superiority. They see many
other cultures as being marginal or with ancillary exotic value. And when other
cultures stand against the West, they are labeled bizarre and harmful.
Due to its relatively disadvantageous position in the world,
Islamic culture is hypersensitive. So the world should take care to respect
their sentiments.
This is far from being recognized by the West, where provocations
against the Islamic faith have occurred repeatedly.
Western public opinion is quite lenient when it comes to
such provocations, and even defends them by citing freedom of speech.
Many Muslim countries are struggling with poverty, and anti-Western
sentiment can be easily sparked. If movies that insult the Prophet Mohammed and
incidents that desecrate the Quran continue to occur and Western governments continue
to insist that they cannot take action, more hatred will result.
Americans must sincerely learn about other cultures and be
able to appreciate their values, some of which have made it possible for them
to rapidly develop. One can only prevent the desecration of other religions by
treating them and the feelings of others as you do your own.
We hope the American warships and Marines think twice before
shooting. Revenge killing is not necessarily a positive for the United States.
There are already many people in the world restraining their
discontent toward the United States. Washington needs to exercise restraint to
better communicate with other parts of the world.
