Controversy: Achmed the Dead Terrorist

Tune in to Comedy Central and you may find comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his suitcase full of puppets.

One of those puppets is Achmed the Dead Terrorist, and a skit featuring him has received 66 million hits on You Tube [see it here].

But according to this report on FOXNews, not everyone is happy with the skit. In South Africa, a commercial which features a clip from the skit has been deemed by the Advertisement Standards Authority as offensive to Muslims, which makes up 2% of the population.

There is no direct reference in the skit to connecting Achmed to Islam. In fact, Dunham asks Achmed point-blank if he is Muslim, to which he replies "I don't think so," and goes on to say he is "made in China."

But while there is no direct reference to Islam, there are several inferences such as "infidel", Achmed's dress, Achmed's name, "Allah", "72 virgins", and "paradise." Then of course there is Achmed's own job description as a suicide bomber. And when we hear "suicide bomber", we all automatically think of Islam.

In spite of all the inferred references, this routine does not poke fun at Islam. It pokes fun at at someone who failed horribly, and it pokes fun at an action that is otherwise so horrible and futile.

Through his puppets, Jeff Dunham makes fun of everybody. "I've skewered whites, blacks, Hispanics, Christians, Jews, Muslims, gays, straights, rednecks, addicts, the elderly, and my wife," Dunham explains. "As a standup comic, it is my job to make the majority of people laugh, and I believe that comedy is the last true form of free speech." He even makes fun of those who drive a Toyota Prius (which he himself drives)! I've seen the act - I think he's funny (even though I sometimes drive a Prius!).

Even though Achmed is not identified as a Muslim, it is easy to make the connection - even those of the Muslim faith see it. But God forbid we should ever insult a Muslim, especially when they have no problem insulting - and vigorously persecuting - those who are not Muslim.

"Turn the other cheek," Jesus said. Even Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet.