Islamophobia in Western Countries - Essay Example

Islamophobia in Western Countries Abstract Islamophobia is a term that has been coined from two words, Islam and phobia. Islam refers to monotheistic religion of the Muslims (Allen, 2005). Phobia refers to a conditioned state of anxiety characterized by irrational and extreme feeling of fear of situations or thing. This paper has focused on Islamophobia as a type of phobia that has recently developed in western societies (Al-Shaikh-Ali, 2009). The paper tries to explain the ethical and social settings that have seen this phobia creep into western societal settings. In this attempt, the paper has expounded on the major factors that have contributed to this phobia and the consequential effects that Islamophobia has had on societies (Valenta 2011). Introduction Various definitions of Islamophobia have been put forward to explain the identity of this phobia that has presently increased among the Western societies. There are differences emanating from the proposed definitions of Islamophobia but in a more generalized description, Islamophobia is an exaggerated fear and feeling of hate and hostility towards Muslims and Islam as a religion. Islamophobia is evidenced by negated stereotypes that have been propagated in western countries. Such stereotypes have obvious biased and discriminative features in them. This has resulted to marginalization, social and political exclusion of most Muslims living in these Western countries (Valenta, 2011). The intensification of Islamophobia took course after the September 2011 terrorist attack which was believed to be principally propagated by Muslim terrorists. According to a report that was produced by Rennymede Trust in U.K, it identified 8 elements of Islamophobia (Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, 1997). In 2004, a similar report was produced which showed a diversified level of exclusion and discrimination against Muslims living in Britain. The United Nations Alliance of Civilization in collaboration with the League of Arab States named Islamophobia as a global phenomenon of great concern (Fekete, 2009). According to these two organizations, it was deemed necessary to analyze the issues underlying Islamophobia and this was to be based on determining public opinions from majority and minority concerned groups from different countries that are affected. The findings of this research would then be applied in policy making in attempt to resolve this increasingly rising global issue (Fekete, 2009). In United States, research identified about 160 Muslims suspected to have been involved in the September 11 terrorist attack. This only showed a small percentage of all Muslims who are believed to propagate terrorist attacks and related crime in the soil of the U.S. however; the Muslim-American community remains an important source of information to the U.S security department relating to plotted terrorist attacks by terrorist groups such as the Al Qaeda (Ansari, 2004). Respect and Fair Treatment There are many reported cases of unfair treatment of Muslims in many Western countries. Claims have been put forward questioning about the respect accorded to Muslims in these countries. Sources have shown that in U.S, 52 percent of Americans agree that Muslims respect is compromised. In the same context, 48 percent Canadians also believe that Muslims societies are not respected in these Western countries (Ansari, 2004). Below is an analysis of the respondent in multiple West nations in regard to how Muslim communities are respected according to data that was collected in 2011. (Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, 1997) There has been a general increase in the numbers of those who feel that Muslim communities are not respected in countries in the West (Fekete, 2009). This has been observed especially in U.S, U.K and France. Several factors have been attributed to this issue of Muslim respect amount other societies in Western countries (Ansari, 2004). It has been argued that political interests, religion and cultural background can all lead to this polarized situational disorientation directed to Muslims. As mentioned earlier, Islamophobia has been defined in relation to what other feel towards Muslims in relation to their cultural and political affiliations. However, there are those who feel that political interest of Muslims has majorly contributed to this global issue that compromises Muslim-West integration (Allen, 2010). Research has shown that among the various reasons that result to Islamophobia, culture and religion takes a center stage. Given that political affiliations can vary from one Muslim community to another, their cultural and religious artifacts remain more or less the same across different societies in Muslim world. This realization that the basis of Islamophobia is leaned towards socio-cultural and religious pillars is important in the process of resolving arising conflicts (Bevelander, Pieter and Otterbeck, 2012). Recently, Islamophobia has taken a different angle of inclusion. In 2009, Swiss parliament proposed a referendum that was to see a ban in construction of minarets (Bevelander et al., 2012). They argued that, such construction would tarnish the Swiss image globally. The government however opposed the ban due to its perception on the country’s image in regard to Islamic nations. About 60 percent of Swiss population voted for the ban (Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, 1997). This can be interpreted to mean that 22 voting districts voted for the ban and only 4 were against the ban. Leaders from Islamic countries raised cries due to this move by the Swiss people and they were backed up by the disapproval of this ban by the United Nations (Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, 1997). Prejudice A report issued by the Center for American Progress indicated that a group of misinformation individuals was involved in promotion and propagation of Islamophobia (Kumar, 2012). Prejudices propagated from such groups intercalate Islamophobia significantly. Misinformation here can be defined as negative attitudes, opinions and judgment that are propagated so as to influence a certain group of people against a society or a religion based on their beliefs and political orientation (Cesari, 2006). Such prejudices have detrimental effects that adversely affect a community to greater extent. Prejudices results to over actions that elevate discrimination levels which subjects the victims to a grave environment. In a closer context, Muslims feel insecure due to discriminatory attitudes from fellow citizens due to their historical background or even due to their religious beliefs. Research has shown that 48 percent of Muslim Americans are more likely subjects of racial and religious discrimination than Non-Muslim Americans (Allen, 2010). It has also been shown that even for those Americans who have no negated prejudices have agreed to have unfavorable opinions in regard to Islam. Mass media and Islamophobia Media has largely played a role in the distortion of the humane face of Islam as a world religion. Western media has been associated with distortion of what Islam as a religion postulates (Cesari, 2006). Consequently they have imposed wrong perceptions in regard to Islam. Acts like aggressiveness and ruthlessness have been associated with military leadership in Muslim nations. The acts of media in collaborating to propagate wrong information has greatly led to a continuous increase in face off that has currently shaped the relationship between the West and Islamic nations (Kumar, 2012). Causes and effects of Islamophobia Islamophobia has had far reaching impacts that impinge in the lives of many. Such has included awful consequences that range from verbal abuse of racial and religious profiling to hate crimes (Kumar, 2012). Communities have been isolated from social integration and have been excluded from social inclusion and government positions on the basis of religion and cultural background. This phenomenon has seen infringement of basic human rights of Muslims (Cesari, 2006). The main cause of Islamophobia is misleading information concerning Islam (Birt, 2009). Islamophobic people neither express willingness to seek the truth concerning Islam nor spend time with Muslims to know the truth. This is caused by fear that many have, and the perception that Muslims are violent. This has worsened the situation and made it more complex. Islamophobia has led to belief in several tenets that have set Islam apart as a different group in the society (Allen, 2005). First, it is believed that Islam cannot embrace change and it is the same since its establishment. Secondly, Islam holds different values and beliefs from all other religious groups. Thirdly, Islam is regarded as unreasonable and uncivilized, thus inferior to other religions (Cesari, 2006). Fourthly, Islam is considered as a religion that advocates for violence and lawlessness among its followers. Fifthly, the political ideologies of Islam are violent and do not promote social and political cohesion. Despite the fact that these views are not true, many people believe in them and judge Muslims based on them (Bunzi, 2007). In the United States, mainstream Muslim organizations are treated with suspicion. These beliefs encourage discrimination, violence and exclusion of Muslims. For example, from the year 2004, there has been a 24% increase in the number of Muslim harassment and discrimination cases in the United States (Bluemental, 2011). Islamophobia is not only observed in the violent and discriminatory treatment of Muslims but also in other areas such as bringing up of Muslim children. Muslim children are taught the importance of freedom and equality in the society. However, when they grow up and realize that they are denied these rights, they become disappointed. Disappointment can influence social disorder and irrational violence as an expression of anger towards unfair treatment and discrimination (Bunzi, 2007). Islamophobia undermines the concept of multiculturalism in the American society. It promotes cultural and religious discrimination, which demoralize the social and cultural status of America. The rising level of Islamophobia in the west is enough evidence of decline of multiculturalism (Cesari, 2006). This has been augmented by the perception of Islam as a religion that is resistant to change. It has been described as a way to resist the influence that Islam can have on the culture and political ideologies of the West (Allen, 2005). The media has played a significant role in promoting Islamophobia. The media under- represents Muslim ideologies and depicts them in negative light thus perpetuating hatred and stereotyping (Gottschalk, Peter and Greenberg, 2006). As a reaction to the potential degradation of its culture and values, the west discriminates against Muslims and excludes them from its social and economic activities. One of the remedies to Islamophobia is fair and balanced reporting and depiction of Muslims by the media. It is important for the media to educate the public on what Muslims believe in and what Islam teaches. This would help to clear doubt and eradicate prejudices and hatred against Muslims and Islam. Terrorism is another factor that perpetuates Islamophobia (Bevelander et al., 2012). Extremist Muslims whose ideologies are different from regular Muslims execute many terrorist attacks. However, there is no distinction between these two groups. Therefore, the public associates the two groups with similar ideologies and use that misinformed association to condemn Muslims. Islam advocates for peace and cohesion and does not support terrorism. Muslims should not be condemned and hated because a few individuals taint the name of Islam and go against its teachings (Gottschalk et al., 2006). Conclusion Islamophobia is a common term in the world, which is commonly used to describe hatred and prejudice against the Islam religion that is mainly perpetuated by people who are affiliated to other religions. In addition, it refers to hatred for Muslims. Islamophobia is a concept that originated centuries ago. However, after the 9/11 attacks, it intensified. It has several consequences that have set Islam as a bad religion whose views propagate violence and terrorism (Cesari, 2006). However, this is not true. People who hold different religious beliefs and values from the beliefs and values of conventional Islam itself propagate terrorism and violence. These people refer to themselves as Muslims but they have distorted its teachings to favor their illegal activities. Islamophobia encourages hatred against Muslims and consequently destabilizes peaceful coexistence and cohesion. It is important to eradicate Islamophobia in order to promote peace, equality, and freedom for all people. Discriminating and isolating Muslims on grounds of their religion is unethical because it encourages actions that violate their human rights. Islamophobia has quickly spread across many nations in the world and this is a future concern that governments should take the initiative to control. It has greatly impacted negatively on the lives of many Muslim populations and has generally spread hate and discrimination of Muslims across the globe. I want to believe that every citizen has equal rights and should not be subjected to discrimination because of religion or historical background. Islam is a religion just like Christianity is. Muslims do not have to be associated with terrorism because that is not the basis of the teaching of the Quran. Increased world insecurity is propagated by Islamophobia and it remains a major objective for governments to see to it that Muslims are accorded the respect they need just as any other citizen would. References Allen, Chris. (2005). From race to religion: the new face of discrimination, in Tahir Abbas Muslim Britain: communities under pressure. New York: Zed Press Allen, Chris. (2010). 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Anders Behring Breivik, a perfect product of the axis of Islamophobia, Retrieved from http://maxblumenthal.com/2011/07/anders-behring-breivik-a-perfect-product-of-theaxis-of-islamophobia/ Bunzi, Matti. (2007). Antisemitism and Islamophobia: hatreds old and new in Europe. Chicago: Chicago University Press. Cesari, Jocelyne. (2006). Muslims in Europe after 9/11: why the term Islamophobia is more a predicament than an explanation. Retrieved from http://www.libertysecurity.org/article1167.html Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia. (1997). Islamophobia: a challenge for us all. London: Runnymede Trust Fekete, Liz. (2009). A Suitable Enemy: racism, migration and Islamophobia in Europe, London: Pluto Press Gottschalk, Peter and Gabriel Greenberg. (2006). Islamophobia: making Muslims the enemy. Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield. Kumar, Deepa. (2012). Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire. New York: Haymarket Books Valenta, Markha. (2011). The Future of Islamophobia: the liberal, the Jew, the animal, Open Democracy. Retrieved from http://www.opendemocracy.net/markha-valenta/future-ofislamophobia-liberal jewanimal?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=201210&utm_campaign=Nightly_%272011-05-14%2005%3a30%3a00%27 Read More