Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Bezhti
a minority in the sikh community of birmingham are going nuts about a play which they find offensive. the theatre company staging it has pulled the plug on the production, over staff safety concerns, following aggressive demonstrations.
Reuters' coverage
The theatre company claims art, freedom of expression.
The Sikhs pursuing the ban on Bezhti claim that it degrades their religion and will incite racial hatred. They argue that it is a rant, not art. After all, there are many liberals who would argue that freedom of speech does not extend to socially divisive propaganda. Which explains why the government has prevented this ranter from landing on our island. Incitment of racial hatred.
There are two main items to be contended here:
Freedom of Speech - voided if racial hatred is incited
Art - voided if unable to classify item as art
What is art? Apparently, the saving shelter under which many controversial views seek refuge.
Perhaps the difference in art and rant lies in the endgame. Farrakhan's message is clear. His expression is intended to be shocking and brash. But Tracy Emin's message is clear too. The endgame is only part of the answer.
Which brings us to the briefcase in Pulp Fiction:
Vincent moves to the bed, reaches underneath it, pulling out a black snap briefcase.
VINCENT: ”Got it.”
Vincent flips the two locks, opening the case. We can't see what's inside, but a small glow emits from the case. Vincent just stares at it, transfixed.
JULES: “We happy?”
No answer from the transfixed Vincent.
JULES: “Vincent!”
Vincent looks up at Jules.
JULES: “We happy?”
Closing the case.
VINCENT: “We're happy.”
Art in this case is open to interpretation. There are a stack of diehard fans that claim that Marcellus Wallace's soul lies inside the briefcase, others which claim diamonds. In the end, it doesn't matter - and that is the distinction. Art permits the patron to form their own, personally justifiable, conclusions from the expression. Rants have no intention of this scope.
This is a rant.
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