Review of
Open Letter: On Blasphemy, Islamophobia
and the True Enemies of Free Expression, by Charb ISBN
9780316311335
Five out of five stars
Passionate defense of free expression
The author,
Stephanie Charbonnier, was the editor in chief of “Charlie Hebdo,” a satirical
publication based in Paris, France. On January 7, 2015, two gunmen invaded the
offices of the publication, killing 12, including Charbonnier. They specifically
sought him out as the prime target of their attacks.
A few days
before the attack, Charbonnier had completed this manifesto in defense of the
freedom of expression. In it he not only states his position, but also
criticizes the people who kill and persecute others in the name of their religion
and those who submit to their wild claims. People in the media, to many forms
of organized religion to government officials are targeted by his ire. Those
criticisms are not mean-spirited but are those of an intellectual.
This is one of
the strongest defenses of the basic human need for freedom of speech and why it
is important that it be maintained. Unlike many who support it only when it
benefits them, Charbonnier issued blanket endorsements of the principle, even
when it deeply offends. Ultimately, that position cost him his life.
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