The Cartoonist’s Responsibility

The recent events surrounding the publication of cartoons in Denmark have left everybody astounded – especially editorial cartoonists like myself.

For once I have decided to trade my brushes for a laptop on this issue, principally because the space normally allocated to my cartoons cannot say what I want to say. Had I been given enough space, I would have drawn this article!

The debate over the cartoons has been intense to the point that it is now tedious, ranging from freedom of expression to a clash of cultural values and even to a clash of civilizations. What is also apparent is the fact that the debate has been exploited and hijacked by radical and extreme elements on both sides of the divide – those defending the right of free speech and those who defend the Muslim faith