Parresia and Prophets

#freespeech #charliehebdo #parresia #satire #greek #classicalculture #prophets #bible #socialjustice

On Free Speech and (Dis) Honoring Prophets

Παρρησία

Freedom of Speech is a Greek word thought to be a compound of πας and ῥῆσις.

An more accurate but awkward in translation or definition in English  might be “Allspeak” or “anyspeech” .

Some people define it as the freedom to say anything they like however silly  irrational paranoid hateful blasphemous obscene or absurd.

Others point out several of the ancient orators pointed out it should be counterbalanced by KAIROS καιρός propriety or rather the sense and knowledge of when and what is the right thing to say or do.

Some people in the Islamic world have been claiming the Western concept of Free Speech is actively Anti-Islamic. 

Some people in the Western World abuse the right of free speech to spread conspiracy theories homophobia racism and worse.

So when is Satire Appropriate?

There's no Biblical guice for this or is there? 

One thing you see again and again in the Books of prophecies in the Old testament is Social Justice as a theme.

Satire and Comedy in Attic culture and drama also often had popular issues as a theme as well the Tragedies often had the conflict between justice and revenge as a theme.

I think the Charlie Hebdo editors made a serious error by NOT making the first issue after the attack on their offices a special guest issue inviting cartoonists from all over the Islamic world to comment on social justice issues whether their target was the Western World Israel Saudi corruption ISI Boko Haram the USA or whatever.

I must sat I have noticed the sort of people who post claims and complaints about blasphemy and lack of respect for dead prophets  do not seem to be commenting on current events that do  dishonor the prophets ... all of them Islamic and back to the Old Testament.

I'ld like to see more discussion of Boko Haram or ISI or genitial mutilation or forced conversions.

I'ld like to see less obsessing on gay marriage or the insistence by Christian conservatives and less claims private charity will cover all health care needs  or condemnation of the sheer waste of money by Superbowl type sports events!

Lets really focus our rights of free speech on SOCIAL JUSTICE issues.

Anyone know if Aristophanes has been translated into Arabic?

Honor Prophets but not by obsessing on blasphemy but by reminding cartoonists to focus on CURRENT events that are worthy targets.