A Conversation with Salman Rushdie

Patty Satalia of Penn State Public Broadcasting interviews noted author Salman Rushdie. Rushdie discusses his latest novel as well as his life as a writer. Audience members participate in the conversation with their comments and questions.

[@ramdularsingh1435]

' Midnight's Children ' is a novel I think every South Asian must read. It is a masterpiece of work by Salman Rushdie ! You will have everything you wanted to enjoy in a book. It's a work of art by the author. A classic masterpiece by a substantial pen.

[@jjjeh1]

A truly intelligent guy. Have not read any of his books but would definetly make it my next goal in life. I am convinced by his many interviews (though watched only about 3 so far), that he has lots to offer humanity through his writings. Thank God for people like him who are conciously trying to provide an insight into our problems and therefore a way out for those that have ears to hear and a heart.

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

"That book-type object." Priceless.

[@1keryl]

what a great interview, fantastic job by the interviewer!

[@celestemoon]

I love Shame - it's sooo brilliant. My first Rushdie.

[@wrenjoy6729]

Maestro of the century... History spins because of you!

[@chaneltanita]

I am not muslim, am a christian but hats off to you for such a good observation here and representing muslims in a true way as so many see the radicals and see these as representing muslim faith. Gave you thumbs up on this one

[@ramdularsingh1435]

Here is so brilliant a writer & reader as he is a listener and speaker ! You can just watch the video and find it all for yourselves. He is a genius ; so he doesn't move as per the ages long conventions and customs once he finds them bad enough for himself. He weighs everything on his own mind and intelligence and then he accepts it all. And it must be done by all of us too. Now we want him to be awarded with the Nobel Prize for Literature soonest possible. It's already too late for him.....

[@RFranklinCarter]

Listening to Salman Rushdie speak is much more interesting than reading the indignant remarks of religious ideologues.

[@grimwatcher]

Rushdie is a writing genius! He's my hero for writing a book that can move people to: 1) Realize the falseness of religion, and question our place in this world. 2)move people to defend their myths and legends

[@subrata4096]

excellent interview really loved the way he thinks..

[@arumugamyau]

It is high time that Indian government honoured him with "Bharat Ratna" .

[@grimwatcher]

thank you!!! have a happy holiday with all your loved ones. I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, I'm just in a good mood today.

[@MysteryPuke]

@48.14 a great question and a great answer! So true.

[@rehankashi]

Rushdie is the all time number 1 in Bastards of the world...

[@VmShan]

I agree that historical controversy tend to preserve books like Uncle Tom's Cabin. But when we read a book at a time and space which is different than the one it was written, we usually tend to weigh it for its "form" than its "content", that is its literary attributes.

[@shafiq3915]

He is a real hero

[@rivendall]

brilliant man..

[@dramenstube]

one of the most intellectual human beings on Earth...

[@grimwatcher]

I guess that it's important to tolerate one another ideas even if we may not agree with them. And having debates about the nature of the universe is always great as long as we don't devolve to shouting matches. and guess we all wanna share what we think is good with one another, in my case I'm majoring in astronomy and love to share the wonders of the universe, it's incredible size, it's unimaginable long age 'cause it gives me a sense of perspective, a sense of my small place in this universe.

[@themooddisorders]

To think, The Beach Boys had a number one hit with kokomo at this time

[@grimwatcher]

thanks! specially for bringing up the topic of immigration because that is a HUGE part of the book... And your right the book would've been dishonest without the use of crude language since it depicts people's thougths, and and speaking habits

[@o0surrender0o]

he is cursing the english people and they are rewarding him NO COMMENT ON THAT

[@kittycatcarley]

@Zeno1999 About time.

[@grimwatcher]

ok lastly, my points are that People of certain religions are too easily offended when something that challenges their faith comes along. This challenge is usually treated as racism, which is like saying that family guy is racist against christians. NO ONE should be put to death for writing a book.

[@Peaceonearth1107]

Coming from a different culture & writing in a different one & in a language you were not born in shows the writers brilliance & level of intellect. His getting pitted against the Islamic terrorism logical & any rational thinking mind including a born Muslim would do. One cannot be blind to wrong doings in the name of religion. It has to be questioned in case of any religion or belief system. Introspection is required by the fundamentalists & blind followers in the interest of peace .

[@halneufmille]

@yymproductions He's a great author who won countless literary awards and a great thinker of our time.

[@desibiden3860]

Salman Rushdie is a great person

[@planes3333]

I am covered by the blood of the lambk, I am ready

[@arumugamyau]

@EkaterinaRukovskaya , U R quite right

[@t10parwani]

@Thesaeed23 Indeed yes

[@zeeraViewer]

Rushdie is such an intelligent and subtle guy. The questions (and even the clothes!) of the Americans who spoke at the end are an embarrassment.

[@hummerume]

@Doveofmakka They are where they because of their own TALENT not any other....

[@horbergus]

Nice, i just discovered another genius

[@toshiamata]

@BESTcyberfighter - thank you, It is the answer that I wanna give.

[@ssqueen97]

soo agree wiv uu (Y)

[@VmShan]

So, in that context we may see that we have to see these books in different light. Say for example Tagore's sole patron in the west, who was mainly responsible for his winning Nobel in 1914 after some years dismissed him as "sentimental rubbish". So, I just wanted to discuss with you and know your response. Thanks in Advance, Regards, Shan

[@kittycatcarley]

@JonasBridgous it's not just a western right though, it is a human right.

[@planes3333]

Good point, for me being a Christian I care about my family and friends right so I humbly and lovingly share good things with them, Jesus is one such thing or he is, or it is,.......you get my point. I dont slam them with religion though and I respect thier athesitic opinion's. sometimes we even have a friendly debate about origins and other religions. When It comes down to it though its their decisions, I dont push it. I think when people get violent and force religion they are desperate,scared

[@weenerfier]

List some of his ideas...

[@VmShan]

But some times some works would be important for what they have to say, in the times and space they do, that would be having a greater purpose, social political or cultural etc that the author would have been mainly driven by the need to say what he/she wanted to say. And just to say it would have been hard in those circumstances.

[@hindurashtra63]

@punjabian236 Yea in Great way :)

[@automaticSOM]

@grimwatcher Well said. Those who condemn the satanic verses, clearly cannot see what the book is really about. And that is the effects of immigration and loss of faith. So what if it contains bad language, after all we do use such words on a day to day basis in real life. The book would have been superficial and banal without the "bad"language, given the nature of its plot. Rushdie is a great author!

[@grimwatcher]

@toshiamata I probably have to read my copy of the satanic verses once again cuz I can't recall that scenario with that language. However the fact that you're not getting lynched right now is proof that a dialogue can be formed without having somebody killed, even after uttering an offensive statement. I know what u wrote was an example, but that is what authors do when they write. Story-telling among other things provide safe platforms for such social experiments

[@kind4love]

@toshiamata I have one simple question to ask you. ''' Who is a prophet and why do you think muhammad was a prophet''?

[@Citabria007]

English is not a foreign language for him... or for many of the Indians

[@themooddisorders]

Funny! He is younger than David Bowie and Elton John

[@MrMZaccone]

@fandanstan Explain to me how it's not a yes or no question. Did you mean it's not strictly a yes or no answer?

[@toshiamata]

@Luke2000able - No I was talking about chrisitanity who believed that jesus was crucified by jews for blasphemy, I'm a muslim and I think that jesus was a muslim and that he was not crucified.

[@prodigalson56]

@SachaTheEvilOne whys that then?

[@grimwatcher]

@toshiamata So in a few words yes, I think it can be justified in the context of literature. what is wrong to do is to punish someone with death for writing a statement. There's also the problem that religion has a special unique respect which we call the "sacred". Anyone is allowed to debate, even insult each others political parties, economic models, etc. but questioning religion results in barbaric outrage from (some) of the religious crowd. Rushdie questioned the prophet.

[@slicingwater]

Whats the name of one of the characters. What happens to one of them.

[@automaticSOM]

@toshiamata I cant believe that you are actually recommending that babble filled excuse for a lecture. The reason it was banned was because it was inciting violence against rushdie

[@normalkuriboh]

Go read the book. I know you have not, don't try to lie. Go read it and find the context.

[@automaticSOM]

@toshiamata I dont care how many times he says fuck - in fact I think that such language gives substance to the book. I dont appreciate you patronising me - I understood perfectly. The comments that you have just referenced were made by the characters, and thus were not rushdies own opinion. Rushdie has often stood up against racism and sexism. Something that could not be said for those that issued the fatwa.

[@planes3333]

I agree although it angers me when people dont believe my faith, mock my faith, or saddens me when people mock my faith I believe whole they have the right to voice their opinion and beb heard that is freeedom, that is life, do they think god is so small to need to murder over challenging him, I challenged God (Jesus) and he's just like phhhhtttt cmon, he donesnt condone murdering blashemers or hethens

[@samanbandana]

@kittycatcarley his personal life doesnt have anything to do with his books!

[@oldvitti]

Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.

[@IxaSaheb]

No im not smart, you are the open minded, you are the wise, you are the smart guy which is ok for him to let people like salman talks crap about his family. And if he saw someone like me telling the truth, you go and tell him its ridiculous, just let him have freedom of abuse.

[@toshiamata]

Yes of course, because nowadays christians don't follow their text and most countries like UK or france promote laicity and it means that there is a separation between religion and politic, all I was saying is that the fatwa is according to the 3 monotheist religion and it seems that you have acknoldege it! good.

[@makorpoka]

@Morahg Verily you havent read the book satanic verses. If you had read, you would have known that all the informations here are true. This book satanic verses are band in some countries but the pdf version is available online on Google book. Please read the book and see for yourself to verify.

[@roryc89]

@SachaTheEvilOne I love seeing Muslims following their "religion of peace".

[@IxaSaheb]

And you are type of person who doesn't mind if someone talked shit on your mother or on your sister.

[@MrShempenman]

What is it you have so much against Mr Harmless Rushdie? He's an interesting well-read man who has a turn of prose, give him a break for a change and go and deride Rabelais instead... He started it!

[@MrMZaccone]

@fandanstan In a theocratic society, there is no difference between religion and culture because no difference is allowed. As for your question ... Do I what? Make sense or stop typing.

[@planes3333]

@grimwatcher I guess that with myslelf, (I cant speak for others) I think that an afterlife away from God (hell) is something we dont want anyone to endure or experience (even our enemies). I care for my fellow man and myself being a douch-bag so many times in life I realise how I appreciate forgivenes and so I share the same, even for those who have tried to kill me (via stabbing) its the closest thing to my life and soul (Jesus) so I sometimes am offended by the mockery of Jesus black metal

[@bapyou]

"you will not accept others to distort and curse your religous symbols." Rushdie is a Muslim. They are his symbols too.

[@TheMegaTushar]

what accent does he have?

[@chaneltanita]

But Jesus did say that those who blaspheme against God can be forgiven. Not that they should be put to death. And reading the comments it seem that paronaaron seems to know Scripture really well.

[@flight1100]

@ibikedallas298 Yeah you might be alright with the Buddhists on that one. I wouldn't count to much on the other three if I were you.

[@oblman]

any one know salman Rushdie address

[@planes3333]

I dont believe hell or heaven is a place with literal flames, but rather a place surrounded by demons and satan, or god and angels and "saved lives" I cant speak for others but Jesus said spread this good news (salvation) and also I want my friends and family to find the best things in life, I think Jesus is the best thing!! take care dude, keep in touch if you want

[@planes3333]

Jesus said be kind to your enemies and dont throw stones at people??

[@EVILAKUMA]

I can picture this guy with 2 Horns on his head .

[@MrShempenman]

Why a disgrace? I'm as vald a part of humanity as you are and see Mr Rushdie as a human teacher. Not a human god as you see some people who once lived on earth. Salman Rushdie - One of the greatest writers in the English language in the last 50 years; an heir of Joyce, Nabokov, Bulgakov, his thoughts and novels will always be welcome with a millions of rational, pleasant, gracious people who have the strength of mind not to need a guiding light such as religion.

[@apexxxx10]

Kites

[@EVILAKUMA]

@Razaviyya --- You posted in this comment page about 20 times. I am Muslim too. You cannot and do not have the right to say "we" want his dead body . I am muslim too and I do NOT want his dead body. God has the rights and he will takecare of him . Allah knows best. I do not like man but every soul shall taste death.

[@MrShempenman]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz - has man landed on the moon yet! he has! ehy didn't you wake me! I've been asleep since the Dark Ages!

[@planes3333]

Jesus said do unto others as you would have done to you, love your enemies and he who doesnt sin throw the first stone, thats christianity, and also love of widows and orphans, when people dont do those things they are not acting like a christian should, have christians done evil, yes and they have to answer for what they do, being covered by the blood of Jesus does not make it a lisence to sin bless you man

[@toshiamata]

yes you're right, this is their "freedom of speech" when you criticize islam you have all the rights.. shame to them!! in france where I came from it's the same.

[@hello37341]

In my country one of the most writers is someone we don't like what he wrote , the way he write is aimed to make people get angry , i think Salman Rushdie don't deserve his popularity because it's all about provoking others and i wonder from people who talk about Salamn Rushdie as if he is innocent person ? come on he tried to provoke Muslims and then u ask Muslim why are u angry ? are u Idiots ? talk about his intention of underestimate of other people feeling ?

[@toshiamata]

happy birthday for the khomeiny's fatwa!!! rushdie, the fatwa is still on your head until your death!

[@flight1100]

@ibikedallas298

[@kittycatcarley]

@MrToopowerful you obviously don't matter.

[@arysky37]

@EkaterinaRukovskaya he is not pure muslim at that time because in Islam u cannot abuse or curse any one specially non muslim it is in the Glorious Qura'n that "Don't abuse those whom they invoke besides Allah" I Think this is a sufficient proof and for just look at the comment below who abuses | | | | v

[@MrMZaccone]

@fandanstan "Murder has never been accepted by sane societies." The problem is murder is defined differently by different societies. "Ages of marriage has ALWAYS been subject to individual societies." Were not talking about marriage or betrothal we're talking about sexual consummation of that relationship. "The Crusades was a military expedition. it had nothing to do with culture." Do you want to play at semantics all day or have even a remotely meaningful discussion?

[@planes3333]

what vs contradict each other ?? the 3000+

[@Thesaeed23]

@Putnis1 Mohammed never hated himself. He like Jesus felt the burdan of the world on his shoulders! He had a very close relationship with God! He felt he could not look after his people because they kept coming to him with all his problems. He was bullied and tortured by his contemporaries. The truth is that the torah, bible and the quran are all just stories about moral codes of conduct. You can't mock the quran because all the quran is the torah and bible with an addendum.

[@grimwatcher]

@toshiamata If you really think that freedom of speech is reserved only to those who insult Islam, you should come to America, here we insult every religion, just to be fair I guess (though since our most popular religion here is Christianity, IT gets a lot of attention specially from Family Guy)

[@MrMZaccone]

@fandanstan "Fornication" isn't the issue. Fornication with little girls is.

[@toshiamata]

@kind4love a prophet is a person who received a revelation from God with the archange gibreel (which is alos insulted in satanic verses). The greatest prophets are in order : 1-Mohammed SAW 2-Jesus AS 3-Abraham AS 4-Moise AS 5-Noe AS. We believe in all the prophets, we acknoledge that there are not perfect but human being but also the best humans...

[@automaticSOM]

I dont show racism against islam, I do however think of you as a deplorable human being for supporting the fatwa against rushdie. I am an atheist so I dont want to side with the jews but I would hope that you would change your mind on this matter.

[@43nostromo]

Sal Bass.

[@IxaSaheb]

you are an example of the people whom got fooled by him.

[@mjohanss1975]

@punjabian236 You call a man as brave as him sick? What kind of sick background are you from where you would say something like that?

[@toshiamata]

exodus 22-18 : though shalt not siffer a witch to live. 22-19 whosever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. 22-20 He that sacrified to any god, save unto the lord only shall be utterly destroyed. leviticus 24-16 And he that blasphemed the name of the lord, he shall surely be put to death. Matt 31 : Anyone blaspheme against the holy spirit, he would not be forgiven. Is that enough for you????

[@kittycatcarley]

@MrToopowerful Wow I just got called a lesbian by someone I've never met. Is that supposed to be an insult? Let me tell you, I know quite a few lesbians who could tear you apart with their humanity alone, not to mention most of them can spell the word "you" properly.

[@khanzafar099]

we will catch him one day and teach him a lesson. writer my foot we is worst than a beggar.

[@toshiamata]

@KingObould - give us argument rather than insult, you'll be more credible...

[@gabar125]

See the link below on you tube Sheikh Ahmed Deedat-How Rushdie Fooled the West?(2/14)