Islamophobia

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What happens when we categorize all Muslims as the same, marginalizing an entire group of people based on their religion? (Bartel, 11.10.2016) It is called islamophobia, and it is real. This is not a word that has recently been developed, but rather more commonly used in our daily life. It is used in many different contexts, and often portrayed through media.

 

In 1997, a report was released by the British home secretary Jack Straw, and they define islamophobia as: “the dread, hatred and hostility towards Islam and Muslims perpetrated by a series of closed views that imply and attribute negative and derogatory stereotypes and beliefs to Muslims” (Esposito & Kalin, 2011. p 47). From this definition islamophobia is a way for people on the outside to put people into a category, to exclude and discriminate based on their religion.

 

We do not talk about multicultural societies and integration anymore, we talk about Islam and Muslims. Charles Taylor argued that multiculturalism “have become indirect attacks on Islam and Muslims” (Esposito & Kalin, 2011, p. 43). Further he links Islam and multiculturalism to islamophobia. A term that can be used to account for actions of racism, intolerance and unfounded fear towards Muslims and Islam as a religion (Esposito & Kalin, 2011, p.43). Islamophobia is expressed in different ways and in different places with a different degree of aggression. In the public it can be expressed through rejection, verbal attacks or exclusion, or it can happen in the silence through staring or suspicion. Some also experience that mosques, and gathering places for Muslims are attacked (Esposito & Kalin 2011, p.48).