In Theory, Religion Counts as Culture. Then, why Kill in the Name of It?

     

   Unfortunately, the year 2015 on Culture Coffee Break will start with a controversial matter, and an event we wish never had happened. Today, the whole world has been shocked by the terrorist attack on the headquarters of the Charlie Hebdo weekly satire magazine in Paris. Twelve people, mainly staff members of the magazine, including famous caricaturists,  have been shot dead by Islamic extremists. Charlie Hebdo was famous for its controversial satires, and it was not the first time the materials it published created controversies, or received threats by extremists. This time, unfortunately, the threats became reality. 

     During my university studies of intercultural communication, an emphasis has often been placed on the inter-religious aspect as well. In other words, religion counts as culture, apparently. It counts, or should count, as tradition and ritual. It is the set of habits of each nation, ethnic group, and even individual, used to praise the divine force. The religions of the world are diverse, and with their own separate history and geographic location. However, just like nations, religions inevitably interact as well. At the end of the day, adhering to a particular religion and its practices, or even choosing to believe in a supreme spiritual power at all, should be a personal choice of each one of us, and acceptance and tollerance should be practiced. In an ideal world, that is. If you think in a different way, please don't shoot! ;)

       I never understood any extremist or even radical behaviour in the name of religion, whichever that religion may be. In theory, no religion in the world promotes violence, and all religions preach peace and love. I don't even agree with trying to convince or impose upon another individual your own beliefs. Like that excessively-religious relative who gets scandalized because you're not a church-goer. 

        However, what about the freedom of speech? Yes, it is one of the main values of the modern western world, but obviously not everyone seems to think this way. Do you think that the media should avoid tackling sensitive topics, especially on a humorous or sarcastic note? Everything is like a vicious circle, and if things continue this way, the future will keep seeing people and groups provoking each other, and violence continuing. Nothing justifies killing in the name of religion, and these people must be condemned, but neither was it worth for the journalists and humourists to risk their lives over it. Do you think there is a way to prevent these tragedies from happening again? What will be the future of Charlie Hebdo?

        This day will not, and must not be easily forgotten. My thoughts are with the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack and their families, in the hope of peaceful co-existence between nations and religions.