Free Cheese and Yogurts

When Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders produced a short film which has been perceived to ridicule Islam by Muslims and also non-Muslims alike, it creates uproar amongst certain segment of world community especially Muslims. The film was responded with the usual condemnation, demonstrations and protests by people who are upset with it.

I am curious. How many of those that reacted so strongly to it actually watched and understands the contents of the production. Or it is just the herd mentality, just following the one in front without really knowing the head or tail.

Or should we just put the blame to the regular punching bag – the media, for focusing on selected parts of the film and creates unnecessary tension, again, between the Muslims and the western world.

In this case, the target was the Dutch – the film maker, government and ordinary folks all lumped into one. Pity the Dutch Lady and the Cow. All will be boycotted.

The calls to boycott produce from Holland even reaches one of our local hyper mart which displayed red cards on products from the country. Is this also an attempt to seek cheap publicity? If someone is dead serious on boycotting certain products, wouldn’t they take all the necessary precautions not to be linked to those products and cleared those stocks from their shelves and warehouse immediately and stopped future consignments?

But to put the blame on the consumers by stating the consumers need to be given a choice show signs of a hypocrite. Do they give a choice to all those innocent people (farmers, milkman, deliveryman, transporters etc and not forgetting the cows that has no connection whatsoever with a publicity seeking lawmaker in the land of windmills and dykes?

So, will the hyper mart put the money where it is worth and announce free distribution of dairy products like cheese, yogurts and milk to the needy to clear any trace of still supporting the Dutch!

I am not saying the film is correct or just an attempt by an opportunist seeking cheap publicity on other peoples expense or those responding to it might also has their own intentions. I just don’t know, because I have not watched it.

But one thing I am sure, everyone is entitled to their opinions and also to voice out their dissatisfaction. But do it with dignity and respect, without ridiculing and disrespecting someone’s faith, create public disturbance and encourage violence.

May all beings be well, be peaceful and be happy.