Denigrating church, pope wasn't funny

I am disappointed that we as a society have come to the point that publicly denigrating someone’s religion is considered appropriate or acceptable humor.

I viewed the cartoon on the opinion page of the Bee on Dec. 13. It amazes me how it gives some people a feeling of superiority or intellectual power when they can belittle others. I wonder if they would have felt that sense of superiority by describing another religion that shoots a 14-year-old girl in the head for wanting to learn to read, or is so 21st century that they call for your death if you write a book, speak publicly, make a video, don’t dress appropriately, or do anything else they don’t approve of.

Christians are an easy target because of their non-threatening philosophy. Whether you agree or disagree with any or all of the local churches in our area, you cannot deny the benefit they all perform for our community.

In reality, I think we all have made jokes about different stereo types, by weight, race, income, or whatever (which doesn’t make it right). But when we have, it is hopefully to a selected, audience that is not offended. Not thrown in the face of someone that can be hurt.

“Any” religion is a part of an individual believer’s personal core. I personally think some comments, jokes, or (?) need to be seriously considered before throwing in the public’s face. Not by law, but just by common decency. And yes, I would say the same for Islam. I respect (and enjoy) disagreements and discussion, but not a deliberate public defaming.

MIKE NASH

Sagle