Salman Rushdie

I wanted to know what all of you thought about the whole case.

I havn't formed an opinion on this issue, should he be knighted or not?

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Re: Salman Rushdie (#1)

As for the man himself, I don't really have a very high opinion of his 'ability'.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#2)

Forgot to add..its clearly an up yours aimed at iran so I strongly approve.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#3)

Forgot to add..its clearly an up yours aimed at iran so I strongly approve.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#4)

It seems to me it was spectacularly poor judgement. Personally, I completely support people’s right to write and publish what they want. But to award a national honour to someone whose writing is clearly regarded by many as gratuitously insulting smacks of a militant crusading brand of liberalism that goes beyond tolerance and mutual respect to wanting to impose its own secular values on others. Personally I think many of those values are laudable; although I also think they are impractical for the vast majority of the earth’s population in current circumstances, and in any circumstances ones for people to choose not to have imposed on them.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#5)

I'm surprised that it was offered and doubly surprised that he accepted it; he's let the side down, and joined the Establishment, just like Naipaul. Rushdie led the rennaisance... of 'Indian Writing in English' which became very poplular with new Commonwealth writers. His Midnight's Children brought in an an innovative and refreshing style to the novel, not seen since 'Tristram Shandy'; the normal sequence of a beginning, middle and an end was thrown out. His 'Satanic Verses' was a brave attempt to transform the medieval thinking that Islam is still trapped in and which poses the main threat to world peace, and security. Until the Muslim community face up to radical reform of Islam, we are in for some difficult years ahead.  

Re: Salman Rushdie (#8)

There is more to Mr Rushdie than that novel which is why he is being awarded.

God knows the christians were angry at the jerry springer opera, the jews at the passion of the christ - but since when did there leaders use it to justify terrorism?

Quite shocking.

I think this was clearly a smear aimed at the iranian terror regime, and as such it should be welcomed.

I really don't think the majority of muslims even know who this man is, and even if they did, I don't think they would care all that much.

In the islamic world, there is a dangerous extremist leadership movement that is capable of stirring up shit at the drop of a hat.

We had the false accusations of korans being flushed down the loo at gitmo  - many people were killed in the subsequent protests.

And more recently, the cartoon affair.

The strange thing was, the protests didn't ignite until several months after the cartoon was published.

Rather strange don't you think?

So by my calculations, we can enjoy the summer without needing to worry about the consequences and then just see what is thrown at us come the autumn.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#9)

God knows what actually happens in Guantanomo Bay.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#10)

I don't.

Seems some poor sods only on vacation in afghanistan got knicked and ended up in orange suits.

It should end asap, but its a great deal better than islamo facist prison camps.

(way to go on confronting the issues I raised by the way)

Re: Salman Rushdie (#12)

isn't it nice when warring factions in the Labour Party stop using sarcasm, and unite?

I agree with you on the cartoons affair btw.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#14)

I really would love to unite. But healthy and friendly debate never did anyone any harm.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#6)

If the committee decided that he should get an honour then so be it.


But the reaction to it has been dreadful - I would have thought the Pakistani Parliament has more pressing issues to discuss than our honours system.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#7)

Don't care. I have moderated views to his. I don't like organised religion, he is a devout secularist. Let's not forget, 'Satanic Verses' offended Christiaity as much as Islam

Re: Salman Rushdie (#11)

In a free society nobody has the right to be spared offence. To anyone who reads a book or watches a play or film and concludes "I find that really offensive", the proper reply is "So what?"

Being offended doesn't entitle you to restitution and your hurt feelings certainly shouldn't influence public policy. 

I warmly welcome the awarding of an honour to Salman Rushdie and I couldn't care less if there are thin-skinned people out there who have taken offence. They'll get over it.

Re: Salman Rushdie (#13)

I couldn't agree more.