Argumentative Essay On The Charlie Hebdo

It’s no question that society influences many works of art, but art holds a great influence on society itself. Throughout human history we have seen many works of art hold a deep grasp on the lives of many. Art has been influenced by the current events taking place in the artist’s time period and from the views of society as well as the views of the artist. Stories can be told from the drawings, paintings, sculptures, and works of music left behind from the creator. With people’s different views, different interpretations, and different lifestyles, sooner or later there would be works of art deemed inappropriate and controversial. One work of art that not only is controversial, but also set a chain of events to unravel, is the Charlie Hebdo

The event has not only left a mark on the country of France. It has had great impact all over the world, sparking debate on how much freedom of speech one should have and how to not let the future have another Charlie Hebdo event. Probably the most bizarre and startling occurrence that has happened surrounding the Charlie Hebdo incident are the supporters of the attack.

Five days after the horrendous events unfolded at the Charlie Hebdo magazine offices, many supporters of the attack came together in the Gaza Strip. They expressed their opinion and belief on why the actions of the brothers Chérif and Saïd Kouachi was a great thing for Islam. Take for example the supporter Abu Abdallah al-Makdissi.

“Today, we are telling France and world countries that while Islam orders us to respect all religions, it also orders us to punish and kill those who assault and offend Islam 's Prophet Mohammad,"

A majority of people agrees with this but a great number of people don 't. Many supporters of the Charlie Hebdo magazine argue that Muslims shouldn 't be offended by the depiction of Mohammed, and that they should turn a blind eye, ecause freedom of speech overpowers their say. But with so many of the supporters not being Muslims themselves, should they have any say? For instance, many support freedom of speech because the idea of it intertwines with their own, but when it goes against one of their beliefs they are quick to try to suppress the new idea and say that the idea or work of art should not be allowed and should be censored. Take for example the Satanic “black mass” which took place in Oklahoma City.

“When you have a group that does this, not just because they want to do their own little worship, but they are provoking anger and hatred among the community, the city can step in and say, ‘That’s not worship, that’s not free speech, that’s mockery, and you’re inciting violence!’”(Morris,