Eurabian Dhimmitude

A Pakistani newspaper reports that the Danish consul in Dubai, Thomas Bay, says the Cartoon Jihad has "helped Europe understand and respect Islam."

"We Europeans have realised that we can say anything to Muslims and they do not feel bad as long as we don't touch upon the Holy Prophet. This is the lesson we learned from this cartoon issue.

Oddly, at the same time Bay said:

"If somebody tells something, and if they are out of your control, what can you do? Under our constitution, there is freedom for the press. It is not possible for the prime minister to apologise. Nor can people apologise for what they have not done, and for what somebody else (in their midst) have done".

The Danish diplomat made it clear that, however, "We will not change our constitution (to exert controls over the media)."

But we can't let these confused dhimmis get so uppity:

Khaleej Times pointed out that freedom of expression does not mean hurting others' sentiments.

"I fully agree with you. That is exactly the key. The editor of the Danish daily had not anticipated the outcome of his action, (like the burning of flag, embassy, and killing of hundreds in protests in the Muslim world). Yet, he has the freedom of speech. However, now, I am sure they (the newspaper) are not very proud of what they have done', the Danish head of mission said.

"You can also turn around and say, this had a positive impact on Islam. The realization has come that you have to respect Islam, and the prophet. Now Europe is more aware of this aspect. There is positive thinking in this respect...and people will now be more careful (about hurting others' feelings). People have now been more careful."

It's clear from the rest of the article that Bay's plea is more about begging for the return of Arab business than bowing and scraping to his new Muslim masters. Nonetheless, it's a disturbing follow-on to the EU Justice Minister's remarks three weeks ago: EU Mulls Media Code.

EU Justice and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini said the charter would encourage the media to show "prudence" when covering religion.

"The press will give the Muslim world the message: We are aware of the consequences of exercising the right of free expression. We can and we are ready to self-regulate that right."

Frattini, a former Italian foreign minister, said millions of Muslims in Europe felt "humiliated" by the cartoons. His proposed voluntary code would urge the media to respect all religious sensibilities but would not offer privileged status to any one faith. The code would be drawn up by the European Commission and European media outlets, he said. It would not have legal status.

I feel better already. Especially now that the "Muslimized" spring collection has hit Paris runways: The New Sobriety.

The forecast for the new fashion season is as somber as it is certain. It is going to be a long dark winter.

After a decade of free-fall hipster pants, bared midriffs, bras on show under sheer dresses and naked legs, fashion has started on its great coverup. Forget girlie frills and celebrities flashing flesh on the red carpet. The typical outfit in the current international fashion collections is in any color as long as it is black with a silhouette long, lean and layered.

The world's leading designers have no doubts as to where fashion is headed as they talk about "restraint" and "sobriety."

Among themselves, thoughtful designers are putting the change of mood into a different context, as they talk about the "Muslimization" of fashion. They are referring both to drawing, deliberately or unconsciously, on a culture of female sobriety. In a world clearly in turmoil, cocooning clothes are a response.

As with any artist, the creative process of fashion design is complex. Lagerfeld said that he surprised himself by designing ankle-length white shirts, only realizing afterwards that they looked like a fashion take on Arabian culture.

"It was very strange," Lagerfeld says. "It goes in your mind and out of your fingers. You don't do it on purpose. It is about sensitivity and one cannot escape this kind of influence. It also has something mysterious, a mood of danger - something exciting."

Mysterious, dangerous, and exciting -- like joining a cult and drinking poisoned Kool-Aid. Ever so much fun until you wake up dead.

Sickened? Let Velvet Mo cheer you up.