Quick Thoughts on Paris
1. There's not a lot we can do here in the U.S. about problems in Europe with radical Islamists. So I always ask myself, what can we do here to ensure that all groups feel fully invested in civil society? It's not hard to see the limitations of multiculturalism as practiced here, as anyone who has bumped up against politically correct "identity politics" can tell you. Yet multiculturalism appears to be the middle path between all citizens having a homogenous identity on the one hand (an unworkable idea), and groups feeling like permanent outsiders on the other.
2. Free speech is the closest thing to an absolute right as we have, perhaps the most critical cornerstone of civil society. That said, the kind of simplistic ridicule or provocation that appears to be Charlie Hebdo's specialty is not really my thing. I think other forms of expression probably do more to contribute to social progress. Nevertheless, the existence of that Charlie-Hebdo-kind-of expression is a sign of health in society, like the way a healthy person can handle a few jolts to the system. It keeps the chi moving.
2. Free speech is the closest thing to an absolute right as we have, perhaps the most critical cornerstone of civil society. That said, the kind of simplistic ridicule or provocation that appears to be Charlie Hebdo's specialty is not really my thing. I think other forms of expression probably do more to contribute to social progress. Nevertheless, the existence of that Charlie-Hebdo-kind-of expression is a sign of health in society, like the way a healthy person can handle a few jolts to the system. It keeps the chi moving.
Well stated, as usual. I am not really clear on Hebdo's style of writing, but it sounds like goading. Some people can take that, some people can't, and some people are just looking for an excuse. He gave them that, and I have to believe he understood the risks. Sometimes, even in unexpected places, the price of free speech is very high.
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