Iconoclasm

An iconoclast is someone who deliberately destructs a religious symbol, usually an indication for political or religious reform. For this reason, iconoclasm tends to go hand in hand with revolutions. Iconoclasm dates as far back at the year 630, when Muslims destroyed various statues of Arabian deities housed in the Kaaba in Mecca. In other instances, iconoclasm has been committed by the Jews, the French, Russians, Chinese, Afghans, and a wide variety of other countries and religious groups. It is still seen today on many occasions, specifically by the Muslims. Iconoclasm is also popular among art and literature.