the symbolic question: what is the future symbol of religious freedom

Submitted by myth (Germany), Aug 16, 2010 at 13:08

Is the argument "merely a symbol" a good argument to tolerate the Ground Zero mosque ? Symbols are a powerful means of mass-communication. Symbols like the american flag, whatever is printed or engraved on money are infact powerful, even worse a tax-authority logo on a letter. Actually the "odor of Islamic triumphalism" is transported across the atlantic by this symbolism. It is important to protest it, establish a majority of opposition, create political power. I agree that this does quite some damage to the islamist cause especially if the opposition should find some symbolism of their own. Question is, does the protest make the opening inevitable regardless of islamist activities for the sake of promoting religious freedom ? And here again is the symbolic question: What is the future symbol of religious freedom ? The american flag or the mosque in a major us city ?

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