Radical Islamic extremists in Pakistan have targeted cinema houses, deeming them un-Islamic. This raises the question: why does radical Islam feel so threatened by Hollywood?
Radical Islamic extremists in Pakistan have targeted cinema houses, deeming them un-Islamic. This raises the question: why does radical Islam feel so threatened by Hollywood? This article delves into the reasons behind this animosity, exploring the broader implications for culture, freedom of expression, and the arts. It also highlights the historical context and recent events that underscore this ongoing conflict.
In recent years, Islamic extremists in Pakistan have bombed cinema houses, claiming they are un-Islamic. For instance, a car bomb exploded near a movie theater in Peshawar, killing at least six people and injuring 80 others. Authorities attributed the attack to militants who have previously targeted theaters in the region, believing them to violate Islamic tenets (source).
The hostility towards cinema and other forms of artistic expression is not new. Radical Islamic movements have long been characterized by their intense opposition to imagery and representation. This opposition is often justified by Islamic apologists as an attempt to uphold a strict form of monotheism. However, the radical Islamic movement, epitomized by groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, has shown a ruthless hostility towards all forms of artistic representation.
In March 2001, the Taliban ordered the destruction of two ancient Buddha statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. These statues were of immense archaeological and cultural value. This act of vandalism was a precursor to the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001. Both acts were expressions of deep-seated hostility towards Western art, culture, and architecture (source).
Radical Islamic extremists view Western culture, particularly American culture, as inimical to their beliefs. Cities like Hollywood and Las Vegas, known for their extravagance and excess, are seen as antithetical to the draconian regulations enforced by radical Islam. For instance, Hollywood's culture of freedom and artistic expression is a direct threat to the authoritarian dogma of groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
Cinema, as a form of artistic expression, represents freedom and truth. This is why it is particularly threatening to religious extremists who rely on propaganda and authoritarian control. The recent bombings of movie theaters in Pakistan by the Taliban are a testament to this ongoing conflict.
The conflict between radical Islam and Western culture has broader implications for freedom of expression and human rights. Religious extremists, like the Taliban and other repressive theocracies, are invariably threatened by the arts because they represent freedom and truth. This is why they resort to outright brutality to protect and further their social, political, and religious agendas.
Horizon Cybermedia is committed to preserving art and culture in the face of brutal religious extremism. We champion the cause of freedom, especially in the realm of artistic self-expression. Our ongoing film series, "Exploration with Uday Gunjikar," documents our journeys to remarkable venues worldwide, celebrating the diversity and richness of global cultures.
The animosity of radical Islam towards Hollywood and Western culture is rooted in a broader conflict between authoritarian dogma and freedom of expression. As long as religious extremists continue to view artistic representation as a threat, the arts will remain a battleground in the fight for cultural and human rights.
For more information about Horizon Cybermedia and our film series, visit Exploration with Uday Gunjikar.
Wishing you the very best,
Uday Gunjikar, Founder and CEO, Horizon Cybermedia, Inc.
Honor and Illusion: Peter Brook's Mahabharata
Peter Brook's five-hour adaptation of the ancient Sanskrit epic, "The Mahabharata," is a cinematic masterpiece that revitalizes the timeless tale, compelling even the most familiar audiences to re-examine its profound literary genius. This article delves into the nuances of Brook's interpretation, exploring its cultural significance, thematic depth, and modern-day relevance.
Depth Perception: Deciphering Hindu Iconography
Hindu culture is replete with fascinating myths and icons. In this article, I attempt to decipher the mysterious icon of the "third eye" which, in Hindu culture, is symbolically worn by Hindus as a mark on the forehead. How does Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by author Conan Doyle figure into the equation? Find out by reading below!
Foresight - A Clarification
In another article, I talked about demythologizing Hindu iconography in an attempt to try to get to the core of what the symbols or icons of the culture represent and, thereby, to clarify their original meaning. The concepts I touched upon deserve further elaboration. This is where I attempt to clarify my prior statements.
