In the debate over digital technology having an effort to defend and improve press and broadcasting freedom, it is important to refer to the saga of the danish cartoons which were published in Jyllands Posten, danemark’s largest newspaper. When they were published in 2005, there was widespread hostility amongst muslims to the danish cartoons and many danish embassies were sacked across the muslim world. the british media to some extent practicised a kind of self censorship, describing the cartoons, but never actually depicting them. This was in stark contrast to many countries of europe which did publish the cartoons in 2005. However, in 2008, with a plot to assasinate the danish cartoonist being uncovered in danemark, Jyllands posten again reprinted the danish cartoons. Again, there have been protests in the muslim world, and again the british media has refused to publish the cartoons, preferring to describe them.
This self censorship by the british media could be argued to limit press freedom, as even though the cartoons could be construed as being offensive, it is very much a matter of personal taste as to whether we live in a free and open society which tolerates diverging opinoins which may be offensive to certain minority groups.
However, on the internet, press freedom is unlimited, on the gay patriot website, the cartoons are easily accessible
The comments accompanying this photo may be judged to be racist by certain sectors of society, however, the essential point that needs to be made is that the internet – digital technology is allowing people to see images or words that may be considered offensive by the majority. It is also important to note a crucial distinction between carictureures and images that cause people real harm. the caricutures caused offence and lead to a widespread anti danish and anti european backlash amongst some muslims. it could be argued that Jyllands posten has a long history of anti minority feeling, it is supporting of the current danish goverment and its ally in the danish parliament, the danish people’s party. It also praised Hitler and called the jews a ‘problem in german society’. therefore, it could be stated that Jyllands Posten is continuing the tradition of whipping up anti immigrant sentiment, or exposing fear of the ‘other’ to gain circulation. However, the internet is enabling UK audiences to view caricutureal images that the mainstream media either does not want to show or is uncomfortable about showing. Therefore, it could be argued that press freedoms are being enhanced by the internet.
Therefore
February 28, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Is this really relevant?
February 28, 2008 at 4:26 pm
This post makes a similar point to your “Alternative Views on Cyber Spae.” The internet is amazing, and dangerous. But digital technology is more than just the web.
And the Danish Cartoons can be found all over the web, just using google. It’s not just gay websites!
LC
March 1, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Peter, can you edit this link so it goes straight to the cartoons, please. And not just to the front page of an irrelevant website.
BUT do bear in mind that if we provide a link to the cartoons we might be condoning them. Is this the stance we want to take?
As journalists we should be fair and impartial. Bear in mind this is for a regulation and ethics module.
Considering we agreed before the presentation not to mention these cartoons, or, at most, just to refer to them in passing as one minor example of how the internet challenges all we know about regulation, I think we’ve blogged enough on this subject.
I think it would be useful if you published your research on what “digital technology” is. It’s a fundamental part of our subject, which is why we opened the presentation with it. A post listing all the resources that journalists use (blackberry, satellite phone, text message etc) would be really useful.
LC
March 6, 2008 at 10:26 pm
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=12146&offer=&hidebodyad=true
This is the link of the Danish Cartoons.
Our personal feelings on the cartoons should not matter, they may be considered by some to offend sensibilities, however, their omission could easily offend many more who want to see the Danish Cartoons.
March 10, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I think from a utilitarian view point those who are against the cartoons care more about them than those who ‘do’ want to see them.
But, in contrast to my questioning of their relevance, I do think that the Danish cartoons may have a small part to play in highlighting the topic of media freedom through technological advancement. Essentially, they were able to be seen by such a large audience because of technology and, in the same manner, were able to be condemned and discussed due to technology and the media. I don’t think the topic deserves as much comment at we’ve given it however.
T.I