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Academic study of Ganesh called hate crime

• Superstitious Folly

Never hurts to be reminded that Fundamentalist Christians aren't the only people who expect special protection for their nutty theology.

WASHINGTON - Eighteen years after publishing a study of the Hindu god Ganesha, a US university professor is under fire from believers who brand sexual references in the book as an insidious 'hate crime'.

Hindu student activists are demanding that Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings be taken out of circulation until author Paul Courtright from Emory University in Atlanta removes 'offensive' passages and makes an unequivocal apology to Hindus.

AFP: Hindus take offence at US don's book on deity

T.R. Rao, Loflin chair and professor of computer science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said he appreciates academic freedom but questions its relevance in relation to Courtright’s book.

“Academic freedom is that if I make a mistake in my job, I am protected,” he said. “But do I have the freedom to inflict pain on millions of people?”

Courtright said academic freedom allows him to write freely.

“Do I have to ask 800 million Hindus to get permission to say something?” he asked.

Deepa Patel, The Emory Wheel: Academic freedom debated in wake of recent petition

People who believe that animal-headed deities run the universe are silly. It’s a completely trivial belief. I can’t think of anything crazier than combining theology with zoology, although I guess throwing botany into the mix might do the trick. ...

The Raving Atheist: Theozoology

Richard Evans Lee
November 14, 2003 •
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Comments

Is there any exhaustive lists of items that may hurt religious feelings? I am a Hindu and I am not offended by such wriringd. After all we Hindus' believe in the insident/events in Lord Ganesha's life. If the interpretations is different , should we feel hurt? Can the prof changes his interpretation. simply because , a few Hindus feel hurt or keep the interpretation same , becuase many Hindus like me do not feel hurt .

Posted by: FreeIndian | April 10, 2004 7:54 PM

"Courtright said academic freedom allows him to write freely.". Does that mean that one can call Thomas Jefferson a scoundrel? And that I cannot be bothered to consult 300 million Americans, who may protest?

Posted by: JohnSmith | April 24, 2004 7:06 PM

"Does that mean that one can call Thomas Jefferson a scoundrel? And that I cannot be bothered to consult 300 million Americans, who may protest?" Yes, John, that's precisely what it means.

Posted by: Paper Magic | October 12, 2004 6:36 PM

i am an indian hindu and though i am not offended by the actual writing (haven't read it) - i am offended by the fact that courtright thinks that what hindus think doesn't count when writing about hinduism - especially when he knows that given the power/knowledge equation, his version may end up being authoritative. this is not only about religion, its about accountability. and academic freedom is not about irresponsibility.

Posted by: a d | November 25, 2004 10:04 AM

How do you feel?

Feel free to share your feelings about Academic study of Ganesh called hate crime. Please stick to the theme of the entry. Disagreement is fine. Homophobia, racism, and kindred expressions of hatred will be deleted. This site is one of my hobbies. I genuinely enjoy hearing from people and hate moderating or killing comments. Forthright disagreement is fine as long as it is civil.
My thanks,
Richard

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