Dialog on Cartoons at
USC
A
roundtable discussion on freedom of speech and responsibility
was organized by the USC School of Communications on February
23. The panelists include:d Dr. Fathy Osman, an acclaimed
writer and Islamic scholar; Nick Goldberg , Los Angeles Times
Op-ed Editor; Benjamin Barber,- Prof of Civil Society, Univ
of Maryland; and Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Shura
Council.
The roundtable was hosted by Prof. Geoffrey Cowan and Prof.
Diane Winston of USC.
Op-ed Editor Nick Goldberg of the Los Angeles Times reasoned
that the decision of not publishing the infamous Danish cartoons
was because the cartoons were simply "distasteful."
Prof. Benjamin Barber called the press to demonstrate responsibility
in a volatile world. Shakeel Syed challenged the ethical disparities
and double standards of the press toward Muslims and Islam
by citing several examples. Dr. Fathy Osman offered a thoughtful
historical narrative about Muslims interaction with societies
of other faiths at various times.
The packed audience of academics and students of USC called
for a follow-up roundtable.
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