“A Life of Desperation Can Lead to an Act of Desperation” – Paradise Now

The ‘Counter-Petition’ initiated to support the Academy Award nomination of Paradise Now in the Best Foreign Film category is more compelling. The perspective is based, not only on a support of freedom of speech and freedom of expression, but upon the arguments included in the petition to revoke the film’s nomination.
Certainly, it is a tragedy that Yossi Zur’s child was killed in a Tel Aviv suicide bombing. However, the petition indicates that the “movie looks professional…but it is extremely dangerous”. A “professional” format is unimportant, as it is the message that is most significant. Further, the determination that a philosophy is “dangerous”, simply because its alignment differs from your own, is far more precarious.
There also seems to be concern that the Israelis should be completely exonerated [e.g., “That the Israelis are to blame for the brutal killing?”]. The Sabra and Shatila massacres immediately come to mind. These acts were, technically, carried out by the Phalangists, a Lebanese Christian militia, although the group was trained and armed by the Israelis.
Finally, there is the conclusion that the “suicide murderer” is “not human” and that “he” has no doubts regarding this action. The logic is based upon the following contention, “After all, he is willing to kill himself along with his victims”. Seemingly, anger should not be the determinant for humanity and/or uncertainty.
Interestingly, as Jamal prepares Said for his mission he proffers, “You are the one who will change things”. While this refers to the pending martyr actions, the statement has universal applications. In order to change, an individual must have a broader understanding of the world, even when the philosophies are vastly different.
Essentially, it is not the award that is the focus of these petitions, but the suppression of information. The Arab-Israeli conflict provides an important lesson, “a life of desperation can lead to an act of desperation”, thus it is imperative that audiences recognize that Paradise Now is not glorifying murderers, but providing insight.