After talking a bit with some of you about the current political situation in Denmark concerning the riots taking place in Copenhagen I realized it may be interesting enough to blog about (more interesting than what I usually ramble about that is ... )
Having heard about the attempt on the life of cartoonist, Kurt Westergaard, early last week it was definitely something that I spoke about with my host family around the dinner table. I can understand both sides of the arguments made by most Danes. Firstly, and most publicized, that the freedom of media in Denmark refuses to lay prey to terrorism and that they had every right to re-publish the cartoon. Secondly, that although Denmark stands behind it's freedoms it seemed unnecessary to re-print the cartoon with the ability to predict the backlash and outrage it would produce.
Regardless ... it was re-published. A cartoon which caused riots in Denmark and the world-wide boycott of Danish products in 2006 has now brought riots again to the streets of Copenhagen.
Or has it?
It wasn't until after I had returned from my field study that I heard from my Host Sister-in-law that there were riots happening along with burnings of schools and cars. How she explained it to me was that a population of immigrants had been protesting racial profiling that had been taking place as Danish police prowled the streets looking for possible carrying of weapons (knives, mostly). This pertains mostly to the Muslim communities and I can't imagine that the re-published cartoon has done much to repress their frustrations.
Also for a different explanation ... I read in the Copenhagen Post another take on what is behind the weekend riots.
The CPH Post reported that,
"The protests reportedly follow an incident earlier this month in the city in which the police allegedly assaulted an elderly Palestinian immigrant. In the following days, disenchanted minority youths across the country joined in, and as of Sunday a reported 379 fires had been lit, involving 108 cars and 11 schools."
On Sunday night Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen addressed the nation on television and called for a halt to the violent protests. He emphasized the responsibility of the young people and their parents.Please keep in mind that I am incredibly safe. I think it is really amazing to be here during this conflict as I am able to better understand where these opinions and actions are coming from, but I do not intend on finding my way into the middle of a protest.
Unless it's for peace.
2 comments:
Yeah. I think you ARE in a unique position. You are going into Denmark without having a side to take. You are not Arab, you are not Muslim, you are not Danish. So, its gotta be interesting to you. In fact, you are probably in a position to understand closer the reality of the situation. Have fun! Be safe! Keep us informed!
i am studying in CPH at the moment as well (and was in Feb), and living in the city center we had no idea about the riots until we read about them on the news or talked to friends living in nørrebro
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