Americans die to protect the Freedom of Speech, should Random House cancel a book about Muhammad?

Question

Today the Associated Press details that a publisher has decided not to publish a book because of the intolerance of a small group of radical terrorists. How can we maintain a free open society if American publishers wimp out because of threats by some unseen and undefined group? Without any real danger should they censor a author's literary work? Shouldn't they give our protective services and military the chance to protect us and our liberty?

NEW YORK — Salman Rushdie strongly criticized his publisher for canceling another writer's historical novel about the prophet Muhammad and his child bride over concerns about angering Muslims.

Random House, have canceled another author's novel, apparently because of their concerns about possible Islamic reprisals," Rushdie said Thursday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "This is censorship by fear, and it sets a very bad precedent indeed."

Random House has acknowledged pulling Sherry Jones' debut novel, "The Jewel of Medina," about Muhammad and his child bride, Aisha.

The publisher, which had planned to release the book this month, said in a recent statement that "credible and unrelated sources" had warned that the book "could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404167,00.html

Answer 1

Not in favour of censorship and even less in favour of publishing propaganda disguised as a novel.

I suspect Random House's statement too. It might have been their way out of publishing a novel they realized they would lose money on.

Answer 2

No, they should not cancel it. But this is to be expected.  They are giving the Muslims victory. If the publishers refuse to publish the book, then have acknowledged that Muslims are their rulers.

Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 52:

Volume 4, Book 52, Number 220:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of the enemy), ...

Answer 3

Apparently it's OK to offend other religions. But if Islam is offended in any way, there are calls for killing the offenders. Wow.... what a tolerant religion.  

Answer 4

we all know that Salman Rushdie hate islam and always

trying to insult islam ,i don't think that attacking muslims religion will

help the culture and the freedom of speech,this guy trying the extend

the differencess between islam and the west,and preaching the conflict of the civilizations,I think novelists and writers should preach

message of love and understanding between nations and religions.

Answer 5

We also have freedom of the press. If this publisher wants to stop publication and act in such a craven manner, then let them. In this world of commerce it leaves me the option of never buying another book or publication from them of any sort.  

Answer 6

This really doesn't have anything to do with freedom of speech. You have the right to freedom of speech, but Random House also has the right to refuse to publish something.

Random House was afraid of a response like the one that occurred after Salman Rushdie's novel, "The Satanic Verses" was published. The leader of Iran at the time issued a fatwa calling for the death of all who were involved with the publishing of the book: the publishers, the translators, and Rushdie himself. A fatwa is not binding for Sunni Muslims, but some Shia Muslims view it to be binding under Islamic law.

A reward was issued for the death of Rushdie. He had to live under constant police protection for nine years. He narrowly avoided the assassination attempt of a suicide bomber. One translator was killed and two others were seriously wounded.

So, yes, I think Random House has the right to cancel a book if they are afraid that there will be attempts on their lives because of it.

Answer 7

It's a judgement call. I remember Salmon Rushdie's books and they always threatened to kill him. That was before the extremists got out of hand.  

Answer 8

This is a paradox because this country which has the freedom of the press will not use the freedom of the press.

Answer 9

Random House is in business to make money and saw no profit in this book.

If it bothers you, buy the rights and publish it yourself.

Answer 10

that would be contradictory.