Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Tragedy bound to happen

Thousands of Parisians protest against the killings of French journalists, but did they have it coming?

When the Twin Towers came crashing down in America on 9/11, Americans seemed genuinely baffled asking "Why did this happen? Why us?" If you look at their government's foreign policy record over many years, involvement in different wars often using the flimsiest of reasons to get involved and their meddling in the internal politics of various countries, especially in Latin America, I would have thought it obvious.

Something like 9/11 was always on the cards. I'm not condoning that cowardly act but that's a whole bunch of reasons to choose from. Pushed hard enough you will get a reaction, from someone or some group, at some stage.

Now it is France's turn. Another cowardly act has taken the lives of 12 people and France is reeling with shock.

The rest of the world appears to be in disbelief as well. They didn't see it coming. They see the killings as an act of revenge.

Retaliation against the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The French believe their journalists have the right to print and satirise what they like. It's the principle of "freedom of speech" that's upheld worldwide by the Fourth Estate.

This was an extreme attempt to exert pressure and to violate that principle. Protests have been happening not only in France but in other countries too. I see this reaction as being similar to that in America after the 9/11 attack.

What did they expect; it was bound to happen one day? In fact it did in 2011. But that was only an assault on the office of Charlie Hebdo.

Wouldn't that be enough of a warning?

As a satirical newspaper the journalists constantly lampooned and ridiculed the beliefs of others, particularly Muslims.

Their cartoons were provocative and many French citizens felt increasingly uneasy as the cartoons appeared to be escalating in their denigration of Islam and its followers. Freedom of speech is precious and should be protected at all costs. But sometimes you may have to consider if there could be extreme costs or price to be paid.

Didn't anyone on the staff at Charlie Hebdo ever ask, "Am I, in any way, violating the beliefs of others, causing them hurt and humiliation? What impact am I having on those who are influenced or affected by my behaviour?"

Did no one have a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others? The journalists killed were experienced and respected. Leaders in their field. They should have thought about what they wanted to achieve. Contributing to world peace and understanding was obviously not one of their main drivers.

We are living in difficult social and economic times.

With our communities becoming more diverse, there is more need for more understanding.

I believe journalists can play an important role in influencing society in a positive way. Most are motivated by their passion for honest journalism. They have a sense of vision and purpose, supported by their own convictions.

The Charlie Hebdo journalists transformed people's outlook to the point where some started to believe the satire was real. The journalists held deep convictions and these were being transferred to others.

They started to influence the attitude of readers. And they made themselves hated by those they were portraying in their cartoons.

That's why I believe Maori broadcaster Derek Fox is right when he commented on the tragedy. He said that when you depict and satirise someone's culture, values and language as being foolish and stupid you are showing "ignorance, arrogance and bigoted behaviour".

I agree. You can't slag off a nation and expect those humiliated and embarrassed will continue to turn the other cheek. Say it often enough - then why the surprise when someone comes calling.

-Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.