I really, really have no idea what solution there can be to this. The whole thing is so frightening and depressing. There are arguments all over my FB today. One friend is saying that Charlie Hebdo's Mohammed cartoons are a prime example of Western cultural imperialism- mockery of people who, in the ME at least, are often much poorer and more at risk of violence than we are. Western countries did great damage to many Muslim countries during colonialism and, despite what anyone wants to think, we're not talking about all that long ago. Algerian independence wasn't granted until the 1960s, after a horrendous war.
So what my friend is saying is that she despises the work of Charlie Hebdo for these reasons but of course abhors the actions of the killers. I spent a long time researching colonialism and no, I don't find the cartoons funny or appropriate. I've mentioned before that I'm in regular contact with Muslim students from the ME through my job and I'm sure plenty of them would find the cartoons hurtful, not so much because they're taking the piss out of Mohammed, but because they could be viewed as simply saying that Muslims are violent and stupid. A Muslim guy at work said he didn't find the cartoons offensive and I took his word for it, but I wonder how many Muslims might feel pressurised into saying that over the next wee while?
But then I also think that some major sea change has to happen. I agree that our stupid bloody government has no idea. They claim they don't want to offend Muslims, but that's no use to the next Muslim who dies in one of these attacks, like the police officer yesterday. They almost lump all Muslims in with the fanatics in doing this. Back, my friend, it's rare that I agree with you, but I think you're on to something in saying that creating as secular a society as possible, where extremism of any cloth would find it very hard to breed, is perhaps a logical step. God knows we could use it in Scotland. I am Catholic but don't want to have to choose between Catholic and C of E school for my children. I don't want any more people getting attacked for being 'fenians' or 'huns'.
A few of my colleagues knew and worked with some of those who died at Charlie. My dad met Cabu in the 90s and spoke fondly of him as a kind man. My heart is breaking for them. And equally, the thought of the kind, generous, gentle students I work with, fathers and mothers, from Saudi, Iraq, Libya, who I've spent hours with, looking at pictures of their babies and having a giggle with them while we ate food that they had made especially for me, being told told that they are suspicious or dangerous (as was LostMyBauble up thread for wearing a hijab when she doesn't even wear one.... That fills me with such sorrow.
I wish there was an easy answer.