The Wardman Wire

Following on from Simon Barrow’s column this morning, here’s something lighter but still related to Simon’s areas of free speech, religion, secularism and the public square.

Crossville, Tennessee, has a sculpture of the Flying Spaghetti Monster outside their Courthouse in an art exhibition space.

I wonder what the reaction would be if an artist put a crucifix in the exhibition space currently occupied by the Spaghetti Monster?

Would equality and Freedom of Speech prevail then? I’m actually not sure - because, even though everyone claims that the battle is about “free speech in the public space”, many have a side agenda to exclude their opponents.

[Update 10th April. Corrected, and me hoist by my own petard on this occasion, as Free Speech DID prevail and there had already been a chainsawed sculpture of Jesus carrying his cross displayed.

Another excerpt from the paper:

Another sculpture at the courthouse is of Jesus carrying the cross. Other displays include a memorial to soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Statue of Liberty, historic farm implements and fundraising totals.

Background:

On her Web site, www.itlovesyou.blogspot.com, a blog explaining the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville artist Ariel Safdie states, "We are lucky enough to live in a country that allows us, its citizens, the freedom of speech. I have chosen to put up a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to represent the discourse between people of all different beliefs. The many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds of Cumberland County’s residents make our community a stronger richer place. I respect and am proud that on the people’s lawn, the county courthouse, all of these diverse beliefs can come together in a positive dialogue. Here, we are all able to share the issues close to our hearts whether it is through a memorial to the soldiers killed fighting for our country, the Statue of Liberty honoring our nations welcoming promise to all, a group’s fight to stop homelessness, or powerful symbols of faith. I greatly treasure this open forum between everyone in the community."

Although it may seem silly to some, Safdie adds, "The Flying Spaghetti Monster is a pile of noodles and meatballs, but it is meant to open up discussion and provoke thought. Being able to put up a statue is a celebration of our freedom as Americans; a freedom to be different, to express those differences, and to do it amongst neighbors — even if it is in a noodley way."

Safdie was not available for comment at press-time.

County Mayor Brock Hill said, "We are basically operating it as a freedom of speech venue. We don't deny the constitutional rights of anyone, but we certainly don't endorse all the displays. I feel the Flying Spaghetti Monster is an effort on the part of non-Christians to try and minimize Christianity and the images that have been placed there. I'll go as far as to say that I think it's an attempt to minimize and ridicule the good intentions of Christians in Cumberland County, but I don't deny their right."

Hill said there have been some requests for displays which have been turned down and each request is looked at on the merit of the display.

On Good Friday a chainsaw-carved statue of Jesus carrying the cross was placed on the lawn, along with the Flying Spaghetti Monster and a play of the Stations of the Cross was acted out by the Cumberland Countians for Peace and Justice.

Pleased to make the correction]

via Raincoaster.