Learning about Buddhism, practising meditation and loving kindness softened my heart, and led me to some thoughts about a recent political incident. I’m sure you remember the terrible loss of life at the publishers of Charlie Hebdo.
So, this is what I wrote to send into “Power and Politics” on CBC:
“The Dalai Lama says that his “religion is kindness.” Is the satire of Charlie Hebdo kind? No. Free speech can question, criticize and be tough while still being respectful. Let’s raise the bar higher than just flying under the radar of hate speech. Lets go with kindness.”
As I think about this now, and based on the definition below, I’m not sure Charlie Hebdo did “fly under the radar of hate speech,” but according to many in France and elsewhere, at the time, Hebdo’s satirical depiction of Mohammed was considered to be free speech. Here is a compilation of a definition of Hate Speech. In Canada it is illegal to engage in speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display that attacks, threatens or insults a person or group on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits.
In North America and Europe, we satirize political and religious leaders and anybody else, and we call this “making fun of them.” Apparently this flies under the radar of hate speech and is called “free speech.” But I’ve come to feel that our “making fun” causes disrespect and hurt. Our politicians and religious leaders are just supposed to “suck it up,” and “keep a stiff upper lip.” This can lead to a tough skin and a hard heart. Since this is the “normal” way we are, it’s hard to envision something much gentler as a way of being in our world. We had a “Greening of America” in the 1960’s where non-conformity and being true to yourself was advocated. Now we need a “Softening of America,” where kindness and respect is advocated, rather than a fight for free speech which seems to fall so easily into hate speech.
(Unfortunately, my above quote never got onto “Power and Politics” for a variety of reasons, but I did have good intentions.) Shortly after the discussion of free speech and the issues of Charlie Hebdo on “Power and Politics,” Pope Francis said: “You can’t make fun of faith.” So, I’m grateful that a similar point about kindness and respect, got out there.
Since this is my last blog, I’d like to thank Sharon Salzburg, and Jeanne Corrigal, our community Dharma Leader, for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences.
Much Metta to all,
Carol Kavanagh