Burning down bridges that haven't been built

In “At the Crossroads of Islam, the West,” Tariq Ramadan discusses the controversy that arose over a Danish cartoon and how that issue is an example of the intercultural and international problems that often arise as a result of free speech and expression. As he wrote, “they must assert the inalienable right to freedom of expression and, at the same time, demand measured exercise of it,” Ramadan asserted the belief that an open, acceptant approach in conjunction with the refusal to hold a bigoted mindset is vital to promoting and maintaining intercultural understanding and trust. I agree with him. Yes, we are each entitled to the unalienable right of free speech; however we must carry that right with purpose and respect. There are moral boundaries that each of us must recognize, and as humans it should not be difficult for each of us to recognize and maintain those boundaries within our personal expression and speech. We each hold true our own beliefs, ideals and cultural traditions; they are in fact so much of who we are. And so we must respect the values of other people as we in turn want ours to be respected! This world is so much more than land, water and millions of people; it is a place we all share, where each of us has opportunity. Humanity is not limited to those you share beliefs and ideas with – humanity encompasses the entirety of this world. Within humanity, we must not abuse our rights and taint the world with disrespect; tearing down bridges that have not even been built. You have a voice, use it. But build up your neighbor and discuss disagreements opening. As our culture has become one focused on hitting below the belt, we have lost sight of the similarities, thought and knowledge that our world shares! We must respect and even embrace the differences.