It might not surprise anyone, but we are not like most Middle Eastern cultures. We value individual freedoms like that of speech and expression. They tend to be conformists to their culture and religion. Recently we have seen this stark contrast in the form of a low-budget video that is critical of the Islamic religion.
For most of us here in the United States, we look at the video with very little interest. Most might not approve of its content but still support the creator's freedom of expression. Then we look at Egypt's response. Beyond the well-known attacks on our embassy, there are authorities in Egypt who have put out arrest warrants for Coptic Christians who may or may not be involved with the video. These warrants are not for people in Egypt but for people here in our nation.
What was the crime that could bring the death penalty if convicted? They are accused of "insulting the Islamic religion, insulting the Prophet and inciting sectarian strife."
When was the last time you have known anyone being arrested for insulting Christianity, Judaism, Mohammed or even Joseph Smith? There is no responsibility for one's actions if it involves being insulted over there. Their government would rather blame our citizens for their citizens' bad behavior. Of course the warrants won't end up doing anything. It's just another way for their government to quell the masses. But it should be a reminder of how different we are from them.
James Kendall
Walker
