Islamophobia as the Fear of the Islamic Religion - Essay Example

Islamophobia Islamophobia Islamophobia is the fear of the Islamic religion, its practices, and the people who are Islam faithful’s, as well as the people who are associated with Muslims or Islam as a religion. Islamophobia is also associated with prejudice against Islam. Recently, cases of Islamophobia have been on the rise around the world and especially in America. There are increasing cases of resentment and aggression towards Islam which have led to public rage and even violence. Resentment towards Islam has been largely due to the violence, killings, and destruction of property by Muslims, which have been taking place for a long time.

This has made people be afraid and resent Islam even more. In the past week, news has been abuzz with the killing of two Islamic gunmen. The two were shot on Sunday 3rd May 7, 2015, at a contest dubbed “Draw Muhammad”, which was taking place in Garland Texas. The art exhibit and cartoon contest were hosted by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, led by Pamela Geller, who is the founder of the group. Their main objective was to sensitize the public about Islam. People were asked to draw “Muhammad”, a common Muslim name, to depict a Muslim person in their lives.

The incident led to the injury of a security guard manning the place. According to International Business Times, 2015, American Muslim activists have strongly come out saying that they are even more resolute in taking on anti-Islam prejudice after the incident. This is because, according to them, such incidences of violence only show how much there is a need for sensitization and creativity on ways to stop the growing Islamophobia in America. They argue that the condemnation by the leaders in the community is not enough, and more is needed in order to stop the violence and killings of innocent people.

The Texas cartoon contest was attended by at least two hundred people when men armed with guns started shooting. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks. Reports indicate that it is still unclear how the gunmen are linked to the Islamic state. Activists insist that hate will not help stop hate and violence. They say that with the creation of more peaceful ways of countering the bigotry against Muslims, which has been increasing in recent years, more will be achieved. It is now a reality that the Islamic State (ISIS) is everywhere, even in the United States.

The thought that many citizens are aware of the past violent deeds and the terror attacks experienced all over the world by the infamous group has crippled many with fear. Americans feel that although there is a lot of prejudice towards this religion, their fears are valid. It is not easy to live with people who support a religion that advocates the mass killing of innocent people. Islamophobia will, therefore, be hard to eliminate, as long as cases of violence by the militant group continue to be witnessed everywhere.

My thoughts on this subject are that unless Muslims help counter the violence, Islamophobia will continue to grow, and people will continue to be afraid of this religion. Something truly needs to be done to stop the violence by ISIS, as well as those caused by protestors and activists.