But do we want laws to prevent the publication of self-proclaimed fiction? I'm open to argument, but I am minded to say 'no'.
It is a difficult call. Earlier this week, Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Burma protested against a film called 'Hollywood Buddha' which they said degrades the religion's founder.
"We want the release of this film stopped," monk Mawarale Baddiya told the Associated Press.
"The film scoffs at Lord Buddha, his character and his teaching."
Not having seen this film and not having read 'The Da Vinci Code', I cannot comment on their quality. But I don't believe that the subjective judgement of quality should interfere with matters of principles.
A practical illustration of where I stand is the work of T.S. Elliot. Whilst I am repelled by his anti-semitism, I would never want to live in a society that sought to ban his books; and almost as importantly I think that such censorship would be self-defeating. In the long run, there is nothing that perpetuates antipathy more than the authorities placing themselves on some moral pedestal, and dictating to us what we can or can't read or view.
As a footnote, I see the major problem in another genre altogether. Films and books that claim to be 'docudramas', or 'based on reality' allow themselves a freedom from the truth and simultaenously a freedom from many of our laws. They exploit a loophole so that they can present a portrait of people without actually having to be factually accurate.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very thoughtful analysis of censorship and docudramas are the work of Stan, thanks Danny!
2 - Chris
Very nice, interesting read. And I agree. I have not read the book, and I may not agree with much of the ideas put forth in it, but it is a work of fiction. I do not want tpsee it banned. "I may not agree with you, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it." I am not sure who said that, but it seems appropriate.
3 - Vic
The problem with the book is that it is published as a work of fiction, but not really. The author claims that there is research to back up his ridiculous claims and many people take the "facts" presented in the book at face value.
Vic
4 - Mark Saleski
i guess i never heard about the research done for this book.
to me, it was just a fun read.
5 - Robert T DeMarco
I read it. The book is fascinating and thought provoking. The author did a great job on the research.
It is true that some of what is in the book is a "stretch". But the book is thought provoking and does make for interesting discussions.
The fact that the book brings discussion about religious hierarchy and myths is in itself worthwhile.
If you can put together a group to read the book and then discuss it that is great fun. Don't forget the wine.
Bob
6 - Big Time Patriot
I thought the Davinci Code was an okay read, but for a real conspricy thriller I recommend 'Foucault's Pendulum' by Umberto Eco. Umberto manages to tie up almost all of the grand conspiracy theories into one large knot. Plus, he's a better writer than Dan Brown.
The censorship fuss does bring up the whole "Satanic Verses" issue. Religious inspired censorship doesn't sound any better coming from Christians than it did coming from Moslems.
7 - Bevinda
I read the book and it does not merit all the hype. While it is instructive up to a point, I've read faster paced thrillers. And come on, those codes were really too simple. 'Sofia' and 'apple'. The end was really disappointing with Sophie finding her family (just like a Bollywood script) and the body of Mary Magdalene in the Louvre. And would it not have been easier for the Teacher to go along with Langdon and Sophie as part of their team and find the map? I thought the plot was silly.