There's been a lot of talk in the media recently about South Park's second attempt to broadcast an image of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Comedy Central apparently received death threats from a fringe Islamic group and refused to show the image, which the network did in another instance.
The UW-Madison Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics group decided to make a statement by chalking stick figures of "Muhammad" around campus. Since the night they drew them, there has been some curious signs of tampering. Click on the "gallery" tab below the picture to see some examples. They're quite funny.
Keep in mind that in some European countries, such a simple display of religious criticism can get people in trouble for "inciting hatred." In fact, in France, some left-wing groups support re-introducing the crime of "blasphemy" for any criticism of a religion. While it is unfortunate that America is largely run by religious lunatics, we as a people have the power to mock them when they deserve it.
I do sympathize with the many Muslim students who have to put up with suspicion and prejudice that their equally superstitious Christian friends do not face. It's unfortunate that many Muslims may feel that this display is just another part of the ongoing cultural war against a religious and cultural minority. It is not. It is a principled stand against religious extremism, in all of its forms.
