Green Bay, WI - Like a pot of bratwurst left unattended at a Lambeau Field pregame party, simmering tensions in the strife-torn Midwest boiled over once again today as rioting mobs of green-and-gold clad youth and plump farm wives rampaged through Wisconsin Denny’s and IHOPs, burning Texas toast and demanding apologies and extra half-and-half.
The spark igniting the latest tailgate hibachi of unrest: a Texas newsletter's publication of caricatures of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi.
Read the whole thing at Iowahawk.
Justin Floeter
ReplyDeleteThis article is absolutely fantastic! Taking an article void of "real" content but capturing such a clear sub-message of sarcastic disbelief of a social community’s willingness to be offended is difficult to achieve. While drenched in cynicism the article drives home point after point of how ridiculous the logic is behind limiting free speech based on the shear response caused. Even the articles format imitates reporter’s analysis of the “innocence of Muslims” video riots aftermath. But assuming such strict social tensions did arise in the American sports field would people ever question limiting free speech due to “frenzied demonstrators… seen ritualistically beating themselves with mozzarella sticks” and “briefly holding the margarita machine hostage”? I would hope not. Of course actual violence is far worse than people committing ritualistic mozzarella stick beatings but the logical argument approach to limiting free speech in response to the recent Islamic riots is consistent. People tied by an inarguable connection have the capacity, if not the legitimacy, of acting out group outrage focused on a common offense. Should an individual offering such an offense be blamed for the actions of the frenzied mass’s reaction and not the offenses content? Well I know with football that sure sounds silly.
Alexandra Reeder
ReplyDeleteAlthough the purpose, the harshness of the article's metaphor was overwhelming. The real reaction of the Islamic world was justified, and the ridiculousness of the football scenario mocked them. I think more importance needs to be placed on the issue at hand because it is not something to joke about. Just because as a people we have free speech does not allow for boundary crossing. The lack of respect for other cultures has taken a toll on our country, and the media should not be encouraging bad behavior. Making fun of the anger the Muslims rightfully express is not punishing the rude, it is joining the side of bad, international manners.
I must agree with Ali on this one, all comedic relief aside, I believe that this article is somewhat unnecessary. This is not an issue that should be treated lightly. Although the video was clearly not an opinion of the American majority. By creating a parody out of it, it makes us seem like we agree with the original statement of the video and that disrespecting each other is just something that we do for fun. If we can't even respect a rival in something so trivial as an NFL team, how can people even begin to believe that Americans can have respect for other things? Like Ali said the media shouldn't encourage this behavior nor should they justify it. If we do not respect ourselves in a critical time of tension then how can we expect Muslims to believe that the video isn't something that many Americans support
ReplyDelete