Use reason and logic, not violence

But the protesters misunderstand the role of the US government. They think that, because the government did not silence the producer, it approves of what he did. Americans enjoy freedom of speech to a far greater extent than we in Thailand. As US Supreme Court Associate Justice William Brennan said: “If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment [to the US Constitution on freedom of speech], it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” 

The millions who are offended by the video have every right to protest against the individual producer – but to hold an entire country or government wrong for the acts of one person is not just.

No protester has said the video in question incites non-Muslims to violence against Muslims. Therefore the Muslim defence should not advocate or employ force, either.

I suggest that Thai Muslims should, through their religious leaders, help non-Muslims understand why the film is gravely erroneous, setting the record straight through academic discussion and debate. Show why the film shows something that has no basis in fact, and that those who believe otherwise have lost their way. That approach is far more likely to win friends and understanding for Islam than cries of “death to America”.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok