Crushing Madonna’s Dissent… in Europe
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Chris Lawrence | Wednesday, August 16, 2006 |
Madonna is causing a bit of a stir in Europe with her latest concert stunt–appearing in a mock crucifixion as part of her concert tour–leading German officials to consider pressing charges against the pop star:
German prosecutors are threatening to monitor Madonna’s weekend concert in Duesseldorf to see if she repeats her mock crucifixion scene.
The crucifixion scene, which drew fire from religious leaders in Rome earlier this month, features the pop star wearing a crown of fake thorns and performing on a mirrored cross.
Johannes Mocken, a spokesman for prosecutors in Duesseldorf, said Tuesday that authorities would be watching her concert on Sunday to see if legal action is warranted.
Hopefully the German authorities have clear rules to go by to determine this… or, perhaps not:
The crucifixion scene could be construed as insulting religious beliefs, he said, but he admitted it might also be permitted under laws protecting artistic freedom.
You’ve got to love “balancing” theories of rights.
American audiences won’t be missing out on the scene regardless (assuming, of course, Madonna avoids jail in the meantime): NBC has decided to air it as part of a concert during November sweeps.
About the Author: Chris is an assistant professor of political science at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas. He has a Ph.D. in American politics and political methodology from the University of Mississippi.
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American audiences won’t be missing out on the scene regardless (assuming, of course, Madonna avoids jail in the meantime): NBC has decided to air it as part of a concert during November sweeps.
American audiences have already seen this display. Madonna was doing this same act during her US tour just a few weeks ago
"You’ve got to love “balancing” theories of rights."
What does that mean? Are any rights absolute? How can you avoid trying to find balance between rights, given that different rights point to different outcomes in many cases?
Its clearly "hate speech" and so can't have any freedom of speech or artistic freedom protection can it?
I think a "crucifiction" actually is a mock crucifixion, so "mock crucifiction" is redundant.
Unless they trick Madonna & use real nails.
"Unless they trick Madonna & use real nails."
Where do I sign up for the stage manager's freedom of speech to make a teeny weeny alteration to the show?
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