The Charlie Hibdo Attack

Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical newspaper, was attacked by terrorists on Wednesday, resulting in twelve deaths and a nationwide manhunt for the perpetrators. What caused such anger and violence toward a group of middle-aged cartoonists? The weekly newspaper is well-known for its mocking of political and religious figures and anti-establishment views. It particularly skewers extremists from all areas of life, but Muslim extremists have taken great offense at the newspaper's depictions of Islam in general, and specifically its portrayal of Mohammed.

Read the following articles for more information:

1) Charlie Hebdo Attack: What We Know So Far

2) This is not the first time that depictions of Mohammed have caused violence. Read this Washington Post article for more instances.

3) On of the journalists/cartoonists in the above mentioned article, has been in hiding for the past few years because of death threats against her.

4) 12 Powerful Political Cartoons Responding to the Charlie Hibdo Attack

5) Many see this attack as not just an attack on the Charlie Hibdo newspaper, but an attack on freedom of speech itself.


Discussion Questions:

• Did Charlie Hibdo cross the line with its constant blasphemous depictions of Mohammed?
• Would the reactions be the same if a pro-white supremacy magazine was attacked for its racist depictions of African Americans or Jews?
• "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
• What impact does this terrorist attack and the recent efforts to stop the release of the Sony movie, "The Interview" have on the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and censorship? Do you think it will cause journalists, cartoonists, and other artists to be more cautious in their treatment of certain subjects?