Thursday, November 12, 2009

The 30th of September, 2005. Denmark. Mistake?

As we know one of the most influential tools in PR is media. It can be the best friend of yours but in the same way suddenly become the worst enemy. I’ve mentioned media, because I want to remind you about events that took place in Denmark, September 30th 2005. That day the largest Danish newspaper “Jyllands-Posten” published satirical cartoons of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. World was shocked, because nobody expected to see this in the serious and independent newspaper in the Scandinavian country. The question was – who is standing behind it. This article gives some answers. http://www.mediabv.lt/res_zinpr_det.php?id=428

Muslims world took this Danish society step as an offend for their religion views and all culture in general. While at the same time in Western countries freedom of speech was the main issue to be discussed. World again came back to the questions is there and if yes where is the limits in freedom of speech.

Here you can read (yes, it is wikipedia, but it provides really good general view of this situation:) how world reacted to Denmark newspaper publication.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_reactions_to_the_Jyllands-Posten_Muhammad_cartoons_controversy

"Free speech is meant to protect unpopular speech. Popular speech, by definition, needs no protection."
Neal Boortz
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by Egle

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3 comments:

  1. group6November 13, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Hello
    This example show us the power of the media. Effects of media are unpredictable. Nothing is just black and white. You must know your accountability.

    -pirjo-

    ReplyDelete
  2. AkviliinaNovember 15, 2009 at 5:25 AM

    And the National Brand Image (NBI-ranking) shows that Denmark still hasn't got it credibility back in Islamic countries..

    http://www.gtai.com/uploads/media/Report_Highlights_Roper_Nation_Brands_Index.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  3. group6November 15, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    An interesting question is how to possibly build new bridges through PR and diplomacy here; how apologetic is one willing to be in a situation like this? If they consider themselves to have done no wrong, will they still repeat the slogan "We are sorry"? Is it worth it for them? Or will they just look like they're trying to get back to the way things were, without consideration for the actual topic at hand?

    Tuomas

    ReplyDelete

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