Felix the Cat
12-04-2005, 11:44 AM
Muslim Students at Delta College Offended by Artwork (http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=14591)
A ceramic assault rifle wrapped in the words of the Koran has Muslim students calling for its removal from an art exhibit at Delta College in Stockton.
The piece is called "Kalashnikov Jihad," a reference to the Russian-made assault rifle commonly used in the Middle East. The artwork is part of an art show titled "My Country, Right or Left: Artists Respond to the State of the Union" in the L.H. Horton art gallery.
Muslim students contend "Kalashnikov Jihad" descrecrates the Islamic holy book. Some also argue it equates Islam with terrorism.
The students want the artwork taken out of the exhibit, according to gallery director William Wilson.
The college president is defending the right of artist and college to show the controversial piece. President Paul Rodriguez said to remove "Kalashnikov Jihad" would be censorship. He has suggested the students could express their objections by conducting awareness events featuring speakers to clarify the tenets of Islam.
Wilson said he has asked a local Muslim leader to help calm the situation. "I actually requested a local Iman to work with us and speak to the male Muslims are are upset about this work," Wilson said.
http://www.news10.net/assetpool/images/05122204541_koran-rifle-185.jpg
A ceramic assault rifle wrapped in the words of the Koran has Muslim students calling for its removal from an art exhibit at Delta College in Stockton.
The piece is called "Kalashnikov Jihad," a reference to the Russian-made assault rifle commonly used in the Middle East. The artwork is part of an art show titled "My Country, Right or Left: Artists Respond to the State of the Union" in the L.H. Horton art gallery.
Muslim students contend "Kalashnikov Jihad" descrecrates the Islamic holy book. Some also argue it equates Islam with terrorism.
The students want the artwork taken out of the exhibit, according to gallery director William Wilson.
The college president is defending the right of artist and college to show the controversial piece. President Paul Rodriguez said to remove "Kalashnikov Jihad" would be censorship. He has suggested the students could express their objections by conducting awareness events featuring speakers to clarify the tenets of Islam.
Wilson said he has asked a local Muslim leader to help calm the situation. "I actually requested a local Iman to work with us and speak to the male Muslims are are upset about this work," Wilson said.
http://www.news10.net/assetpool/images/05122204541_koran-rifle-185.jpg