Charlie Hebdo - The War Room met last Friday to discuss the context and repercussions of the attacks on the French satire outlet, Charlie Hebdo. A conversation about the limits of satire arose. While the global community almost unanimously condemned the violent actions of Cherif and Said Kouachi, many French citizens were resistant to adopting the popular slogan "Je Suis Charlie” or “I am Charlie”. The phrase was, of course, intended to show singularity with the newspaper. Some protesters rallied to defend Charlie Hebdo’s right to free speech while others were less eager to support the often vulgar and intolerant content displayed in their cartoons.

Another important consideration of the event was the historical context of French colonialism, since it was part of the Kouachi brothers’ justification for adopting violent radicalism. This applies similarly to the United States, where extremist groups use the United States’ expression of political power (soft and hard power) as justification for violent terror tactics.  Below are two articles which give insight into these specific topics. Where do you stand on the issue of free expression vs. offensive comedy? Please feel free to share your thoughts below!

www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2015/jan/16/charlie-hebdo-limits-satire 

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/charlie-hebdo-paris-attack-brothers-campaign-of-terror-can-be-traced-back-to-algeria-in-1954-9969184.html