have you ever been to denmark?

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-danes9feb09,0,2192905.story?coll=la-home-headlines

i find this to be really disturbing and unfortunate. if you've ever been to Denmark, you know how chill and cosmopolitan it can be, with the cities having a European feel but personalities that are very distinct from their southern counterparts. Danes have to have a sense of humor and patience, largely because they're tiny and in the dark for a good portion of the year. being so close to the arctic circle will do that to you. but anyway, when i was there, i felt very welcomed, and i loved the whole feel of the country. i'll have to post my denmark pictures at some point. and so i have to say that it's very sad that this (_fill in the blank with a positive word_) little place is suddenly caught up in this cultural and religious maelstrom. i've never completely considered europe to be insular in some respects, but perhaps this is betraying some of the remnants of xenophobia that has so torn that continent in centuries past. i think, more now than ever, self-satisfaction, superiority complexes and complacency are no longer traits that can be plastered solely on the forehead of the U.S. i'm not trying to malign europe as a whole, but for so long, one of the prevailing (or perhaps most broadcasted) feelings has been "those ugly americans." and now that glaring spotlight has shifted and is focused on a society increasingly uncomfortable with this type of exposure.

i can't exactly say what is precisely right and precisely wrong in this particularly case, except to say that i wouldn't have published the cartoons myself. as someone who holds some things sacred herself, i wouldn't want to be an instrument of offense to others, especially in that vein. with that said, i also do not appreciate threats and violence and chaotic behavior as a means of dealing with disrespect. certainly other significant figures of other religions have been lampooned, and yet you don't find the common response to be flag burning or embassy bombing. i want to express an important point though in saying that i don't believe that some arms of the media are helping the issue. the constant coverage of vehement reaction does nothing to help xenophobic tensions, and i have yet to see much light given to moderates who desire discussion and debate over death and destruction. i have to believe that there are muslims who are feeling caught in the middle, on the one hand rightfully insulted at the depiction of Muhammed and on the other hand hoping for a peaceful response and reconciliation.

sadly, i have a feeling that this tempest might explode the teapot.