Charlie Hebdo

Under normal circumstances, I probably wouldn't be a subscriber to a publication like Charlie Hebdo. However, the publication has now come to symbolise free speech and democracy and, as such, I feel an obligation to support a publication espousing free speech. 

As the attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo was also an attack on free speech and democracy, I now feel the need to support the publication. In all honesty, I had never heard of the weekly magazine prior to the cowardly attack by armed gunmen hell bent on returning civilization back to medieval times. I probably wouldn't read the magazine even though the editors and journalists mocked Roman Catholics, the French state, Jews and Christianity with the same gusto.

For some, the depiction of Mohammed on the cover of the survivor's edition is blasphemous, possibly reviving further waves of animosity - they are unapologetic. Releasing a joint statement, the French Council of the Muslim Religion and the Union of French Islamic Organisations called for the Muslim community to “stay calm and avoid emotive reactions that are incompatible with its dignity while respecting freedom of opinion.” 

The unfortunate realism is that we Australians don't share the uncompromising views on free speech, after all, it is illegal to publicly engage in activities that offend, humiliate, intimidate or insult an individual or group in accordance with section 18C of the racial discrimination act in regards to race, colour, ethnic or national origin of some or all of the people in the group. Not listed in 18C is religious beliefs although I'm pretty sure they will find a way to include the group under the racial discrimination act.

A magazine such as Charlie Hebdo that sets out to offend, in all likelihood would not be able to be published in Australia these days at any rate.