Op/Ed: Mocking religion in Second Life

It’s been a while since I posted an Op/Ed. I’ve noticed many places begun tagging my blog as just another freebie/fashion place. This was meant to be a discussion blog originally. Those things just got added later and happened to overtake my other priorities because I like talking about fashion and freebies as well.

Now, since this Op/Ed will deal with religion and since for many new visitors it will be my first Op/Ed they read, I’ll make my own stance clear on this first, to avoid misunderstandings. I was raised Roman-Catholic, and remained that way until about 16-17. Then I got sick of all the hypocrisy, the blind obedience and the pedophilia. Throughout the years I grew in my own beliefs, I requested my excommunication and these days I proudly call myself a heathen.

What seems to appear regularly around Second Life are groups, people, or actions that mock Islam. You have Jihad Joe, the little Red Mosque, and Burka Babes of Second Life. Now, I know all of these mock the extremists within Islam, so I’m not saying any of these people are islamophobes or whatever fashion word is waved around by the politically correct crowd these days.

But, if I look at Judaism or Christianity, I see the same extremism that exists in Islam: I see racist and violent Jewish settlers in Palestine, I see Fred Phelps, I see a worldleader who claims his God told him to bomb Iraq … and so on. Where are the sims and campaigns mocking these religions?

Just to make it clear, I don’t care if people mock Islam. In fact, I believe the religion deserves to be mocked. Together with Judaism and Christianity it’s one of the three religions of Abraham, and all three are equally silly.

That doesn’t mean either that I have a problem with people who believe in either of these religions, I know great Jews, I know great Christians, and I know great Muslims. I don’t hate individuals. I just despise group-think.

Which brings me to my question: can anyone give me links to places, campaigns or other stuff in Second Life giving the other Abrahamic religions an equal treatment to Islam? I know there must be places that mock all religions, and I’d love to see them. Oh wait, that’s right, any jokes about Judaism and you’re banned because you’re an anti-semite. So, I’m sure there must be places that mock Christianity at least?

If not, I think I’ll know what to do when I can finally afford some land of my own.

Comments are open for all. If your comment is removed, blame Akismet, not me. I never censor opinions.

~ by Daman Tenk on January 16, 2008.