Controversial Cartoons
Resources
"2 Illini editors are suspended" Chicago Tribune, IL. 2/15.
"200 protest after Pa. newspaper runs cartoon" Baltimore Sun, MD. 2/12.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.protest12feb12,0,1969834.story
Questions
1. Do newspapers in the United States have the right to reprint the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed, even though they have incited violence in foreign countries? Explain.
Yes, the First Amendment protects freedom of the press from restrictions by the government. Editors and publishers are free to make their own decisions about what to publish while consumers are free to make their own decisions about what to read.
2. Why are many American newspapers refusing to reprint the cartoons?
They believe that the story can be told without the images themselves, and that reprinting the cartoons would be irresponsible and offensive. Many papers also fear reprisal from individuals or groups who find the images profane.
3. What was the public reaction when the Philadelphia Inquirer reprinted one of the cartoons in its paper? How did the reaction differ from the reaction of some other countries?
Two hundred people peacefully protested the paper's decision to republish the cartoons. Many foreign countries are experiencing violent, and in some cases, deadly reactions to the publication of these cartoons.
4. Why were two editors of the Daily Illini suspended by University officials from their editorial duties after reprinting six of the cartoons?
The publisher, Mary Cory, stated that "journalistic norms" require editors to consult with other student staff and editors before publishing "sensitive content." School officials are investigating whether or not the students went through the proper channels when deciding to reprint the cartoons.
5. List the First Amendment issues related to this situation and describe their connection to the Constitution.
- Freedom of the press - the newspapers have the right to publish (or not to publish) the cartoons.
- Freedom of religion: free exercise - Muslims have the right to believe depictions of the Prophet Muhammed are sacrilegious.
- Freedom of speech - Americans have the right to protest against the publication of these cartoons and to advocate their printing.
- Freedom of speech - does reprinting the cartoons constitute "profane language" or "fighting words" as defined in Chaplinsky v. State of New Hampshire (1941)?
- Freedom of assembly - individuals have the right to peacably assemble in protest to the newspapers that choose to reprint the images.
6. What do all of the issues from question number five reveal about the American commitment to freedom of speech?
While many people are angry about these cartoons in the United States, they recognize both the publisher's right to reprint the cartoons and their own right to express displeasure with their publication.
Extensions
- Have students read the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics (http://www.spj.org/ethics_code.asp). Have them apply the four rules listed to the current situation over cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammed. As a class, have them decide whether or not it is ethical to reprint the images.
- Have students research the following cases dealing with freedom of expression as it relates to "offensive or disagreeable" content.
