Today, I saw Christian Marcussen, who works at Berlingske, a major player in Danish media. He’s always known for stirring the pot, and it works. On September 21, 2024, he posted something that grabbed my attention:

“IF ISRAEL REALLY WANTED TO IMPRESS ME, THEY WOULD HAVE SMUGGLED A BOMB IN NASRALLAH’S TURBAN”

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Imagine that! His satire cuts deep, and it got me thinking. As an artist myself, why shouldn’t I take a similar approach but from the Eastern side of the story? Denmark loves satire—especially when it’s controversial. The more it provokes, the more attention it gets. Freedom of speech is such a hot topic, and satirical art seems to sit right at the heart of it. So here is my title to my illustration, inspired by Christian Marcussen:

“IF ISRAEL REALLY WANTED TO IMPRESS ME, THEY WOULD HAVE SMUGGLED A BOMB IN OUR QUEENS CROWN”

IM SHOCKED

AN UNEXPECTED REPLY FROM A COUNCIL ADVISOR

I thanked Christian Marcussen for inspiring my article on “FREEDOM OF SPEECH FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION,” but his reply was startling and rude. This is concerning, given his role is to promote better integration, not to make offensive comments. Translated from Danish to English:

Christian Marcussen @hrmarcussen:
“Thanks, I think so too.
Would you like more terrorism in Denmark?”

SATIRICAL EXPRESSION

When you think about freedom of speech freedom of expression, it’s exactly what Marcussen tapped into with his provocative drawing. And that’s when I decided to take that same spirit and create my own piece of satire. But instead of focusing on the West, I wanted to express something from the East—a perspective that’s often missing in these debates.

This reminded me of one of the world’s most controversial drawings—Kurt Westergaard’s infamous Muhammad cartoon, which caused an international storm when published in Jyllands-Posten in 2005. The freedom of speech meaning behind that event shook Denmark and sparked massive protests worldwide. Westergaard’s drawing, like Marcussen’s, wasn’t just art; it became a symbol of the global debate around freedom of speech freedom of expression.

LIVING THROUGH THE MUHAMMAD CARTOON CRISIS: A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Back then, I was in Pakistan. From December 2005 to February 2007, I lived through the aftermath of the cartoon crisis for 14 months. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy being from Denmark during that time. It was dangerous to reveal my Danish background, so I quickly learned to say I was from Norway or Sweden instead. I was still defending Denmark back then, but after everything I experienced, my identity has shifted. As of October 7, 2023, I now consider myself Pakistani, and I bring that perspective into my art.

THE CONTRADICTION OF SATIRE

WHY CAN SOME MAKE FUN WHILE OTHERS GET QUESTIONED?

The recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter) between Christian Marcussen and I highlights a glaring contradiction in the way satire is treated. Marcussen, in a response to my post, sarcastically asked, “Kunne du egentligt godt tænke dig mere terror i Danmark?”This type of sarcastic jab seems acceptable when it’s from Marcussen, especially as part of a freedom of speech defence.

Here’s the contradiction: Marcussen can make satirical or sarcastic comments freely, but when others, especially from different cultural or religious backgrounds, try to express their own views or satire, they are met with backlash or accusations. It’s funny (or rather ironic) how one side can freely make fun of others, but as soon as the tables turn, the same freedom of speech is suddenly called into question.

This example shows how satire is often a one-way street, where freedom of speech protects some, but questions or demonizes others. True freedom means accepting satire from all perspectives, not just the comfortable or familiar ones.

Freedom of speech or selective satire? The recent exchange between Christian Marcussen and Mido highlights the contradiction: some can freely make sarcastic jabs, while others are questioned or labeled when they push back

EXPOSING DOUBLE STANDARDS IN FREE SPEECH AND POLITICAL SELECTIONS

I’m currently investigating the connections between Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek, the Integration Council, and its member Christian Marcussen. After a hostile exchange on X (formerly Twitter), I’m seeking transparency on why individuals like Marcussen, who display bias and rudeness, are being selected for influential roles. My request for access to this information aims to shed light on how media bias and political decisions intersect and why freedom of speech seems to be applied unequally.

SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION REGARDING MINISTER’S COLLABORATION WITH CHRISTIAN MARCUSSEN

Dear Dennis,

I hope you are well, and thank you again for the conversation.

As you can see, I have already contacted the Minister regarding this issue and have followed up several times, but unfortunately, I have not received any response. For this reason, I am now formally requesting access to information about the collaboration between Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek and Christian Marcussen, a member of the Integration Council.

Specifically, I would like to understand the basis for CHRISTIAN MARCUSSEN’S INCLUSION IN THE COUNCIL, particularly given the troubling communication I have had with him on social media. His response to a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter) was unnecessarily aggressive—he asked, “Would you like more terrorism in Denmark?”—which I believe reflects poorly on his suitability for such a position, especially in a council focused on integration.

Additionally, I am concerned about MEDIA BIAS, especially given Marcussen’s ties to pro-Israeli outlets like Berlingske. This raises questions about the role financial interests play in shaping narratives, and why individuals with such clear alignments are being selected for sensitive government roles.

I previously wrote to the Minister on August 8th, raising these issues. Here is the original text of my inquiry:

LETTER TO KAARE 8/8/2024

DEAR KAARE DYBVAD BEK,

I am writing to you as Zahid Latif, freelance journalist and activist, to ask an open question regarding your stance on Hamas and the conflict they are involved in.

Do you personally have any understanding of Hamas, who fight for Palestinian freedom against what many consider a terrorist and apartheid state, Israel?

Furthermore, I would like to understand why you have selected members for the Integration Council who have connections to pro-Israel media outlets such as Berlingske. Several members, including Christian Marcussen, have such ties. What are your selection criteria for these members?

As the Minister for Immigration and Integration, it is crucial to know whether your stance will increase tensions or hinder integration in our society. Do you believe that your statements and actions will benefit integration?

This article will be published on ZLCOPENHAGEN and may also be translated into German and Spanish. It will also be shared with various media outlets in Pakistan, including Pakistan Today.

Best regards,
Zahid Latif
Freelance Journalist and Activist

As I have received no response to this inquiry, I am now requesting ACCESS TO RELEVANT DOCUMENTS OR COMMUNICATIONS that can clarify the criteria for Marcussen’s selection and the relationship between the Ministry and Marcussen. A copy of this letter will also be added to my blog post for ZLCOPENHAGEN to ensure transparency on this matter.

I look forward to your assistance in clarifying these concerns.

Best regards,
Zahid Latif
Freelance Journalist and Activist

TO BE CONTINUED..