Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Vatican slams Berlusconi over anti-Semitic, sexist jokes

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is being strongly criticized by the Vatican's Official Newspaper, after some videos were posted on the Internet where he tells jokes about the Holocaust, a female opposition politician and using a fairly common curse "Pig God". The official Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano called Berlusconi's behavior as "deplorable", even when he apologized about the Holocaust joke.

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In this particular news we have two different main points. First, the freedom of speech, that means everyone has the right to joke or say what they think about any subject and make an opinion or express a judgment. However, as a public figure and also the head of a government of a democratic country, Berlusconi's duty is to behave according to his responsibility. Even in a private setting, he is being watched and judged constantly, therefore, he should keep that in mind before making jokes about sensitive topics such as the Holocaust or religion.

4 comments:

  1. Freedom of speech is allowed unless that is contrary to public order. His joke is not only contrary to public order, but also improper as a prime minister. In japan, many improper statement by politician is paid attention. I hope they understand their positions.

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  2. the holocaust was a tragedy that all Europe try to forget.This man cannot talk of that much people death as a joke even if that was in private.I would be personnaly very scared of having a man of this kind of state of mind as the prime minister of my country

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  4. Silvio Berlusconi is an expert causing controversy. He is always among scandals and being the talk of journalists and press in general. Coming from him, I’m not surprised of these affirmations.
    As a head of state, he must measure his words and think twice whatever come out from his own mouth. The holocaust is a very sensitive theme and it would be more prudent (especially for a political leader) NEVER EVER to joke about it.
    Personally, I think he has serious problems managing his public image, or at least, someone must tell him that cell phones with sound recorders are already invented.

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