Iran seeks to test taboos with Holocaust cartoons
By Parisa Hafezi
Wed Aug 16, 10:49 AM ET
TEHRAN (Reuters) - At the exhibition entrance, a poster shows a helmet with the Star of David lying on top of others carrying a Nazi Swastika. Inside, the Statue of Liberty is pictured holding a Holocaust book while giving a Nazi salute.
Organizers say displaying more than 200 entries from Iran's International Holocaust Cartoons Contest aims to challenge Western taboos about discussing the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews died but which Iran's president called a "myth." […]
I realize the Iranian government is merely cribbing from the Western “progressive” playbook where dimwits cloak themselves in the mantle of the oppressed whenever they mount their little art shows or protests or whatever. Oddly enough, the only adverse repercussion about such events (aside from the event) is having to be around a bunch of smelly sorts who think soap is a government conspiracy. Somehow, despite the jackbooted thugs lurking around every corner, they still manage to have their show and prance around on the stage as they pat themselves on the back for being boldly transgressive and brave.
Anyway, when you get a big cash prize and all sorts of international acclaim for challenging taboos, I have to say I’m a bit suspect about the whole affair. I mean, I wonder how much prize money Atefah Sahaaleh got for challenging taboos?