The Jar and the Tape

Some remember from decades ago, an avant-garde homoerotic artist named Robert Mapplethorpe who in 1989 showcased an art exhibit with many taboo items including a crucifix sitting in a jar or urine. The purpose of this exhibit was to shock and disgust. For many, it was mission accomplished. The exhibit caused a big dust up for a couple of reasons: 1) some said it was not Mapplethorpe who inserted the crucifix in the urine and he should not be blamed for it and 2) some of the funding for this exhibit came from the taxpayer funded NEA (National Endowment for the Arts). Mapplethorpe died of AIDS at age 42, so he never was able to see the long term impact of his exhibit on the NEA.

The current uproar over National Endowment for the Arts funding of controversial artists began in 1989, when the American Family Association held a press conference to denounce NEA funding of "anti-Christian bigotry", which included a photograph of "the jar". A letter was sent to the NEA by over 30 Senators calling for the removal of the Mapplethorpe exhibit  as it was "morally reprehensible trash." The NEA refused to remove it. However, even though the NEA took a hit in annual funding (slightly less than $100M/year), it was not "killed" by Congress, as poor and vile excuses for art are protected by our First Amendment. To add insult to injury, funding has now been totally restored to the NEA, which it is almost $150M/year.

I will now juxtapose this most crude and offensive art exhibit with the 14 minute video that was released earlier this year. I have not seen it, nor have I talked to anyone who has. In fact, if not for the strong, turbulent reaction in the Middle East, I doubt if most people would know anything about it. The video is suppose to be disrespectful to Islam, but not having seen it, I have no idea in what way. All I know is this - since this video has come to light, dozens have been killed and tens of thousands have protested against America. The irony is this video was made by a foreign national, a man from Egypt - not even an United States citizen. It was reported that this Egyptian wanted to make this video in this country as it would be protected under the rights of our Constitution.

Back to how we protect garbage as art for a minute. In 1996, another "artist" named Chris Ofili painted the Virgin Mary using elephant dung. To make matters worse, he also had collaged pornographic images as background in the painting. Once again, even though repulsive to many and reprehensible to most, it was protected under the First Amendment.

Because of these examples, I have come to this question - does Islam react too strongly to disrespect concerning their faith? Or do Christians take their faith too lightly. I don't know the answer. My guess is Robert Mapplethorpe, if Muslim and living in the Middle East, would have died of something other than AIDS. Here, he was celebrated by some, eschewed by others. However, nobody put a death sentence on him.

My feeling is this - all faiths should be respected - they are very important to those who hold them. If someone besmirches another's faith (listen up Bill Mahar), that person should be shunned, not killed. I may not be a Shinto, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim or other, but I can still respect people who are. Our First Amendment protects those who offend. However, if one chooses not to participate in the offense, then offense is not possible. Garbage, not acknowledged, will die under its own weight. It might be as simple as that.