Cartoons and Democracy

“Is making insulting cartoon a part of freedom in democracy? “

Drawing cartoon for expressing the idea is all right for several people that love painting and drawing. But if the cartoons are used for some particular reasons that can make other people or nation angry, is it still a kind of freedom in democracy?

Last year, Danish’s newspaper made cartoons that insulting Prophet Muhammad. Then, most of Moslems in the world protested this action. In some countries, many riots happened because of these cartoons. The Moslems believe that Muhammad is holy prophet that every person has to respect whatever their religion. On the other hand, the newspaper claimed that it was a part of freedom to express their opinions.

This claim was also used by some Indonesian and Australian journalists. Firstly, Indonesian journalist, in Rakyat Merdeka newspaper, made the cartoon that insulting Australian Prime Minister (John Howard) and Australian Foreign Minister (Alexander Downer). On this cartoon, they described that two Australian politicians like Dingo (Australian native animal). They acted like a dog and having sex above Papua Island. Secondly, a few days after this cartoon has been published, Australian journalist also made a cartoon that insulting Indonesian President (SBY). On this picture, they described SBY like a dog and having sex with Papuanese.

Overall, people in every country do not like these cartoons. These cartoons are very obnoxious. So, by doing activities that insulting people or nation are a part of freedom in democracy? I do not think so. Democracy has a great value in respecting other people and people’s opinion. There is an important value that most people forget about it. Democracy will appreciate with people’s opinion but it will be more appreciate with people who can express their opinions without insulting or disturbing the others.