Rethinking Islamophobia – Is the Term Fitting?
Ifza Shakoor
HMP Dovegate Reading Strategy Lead | EDI Decolonial Doctoral Candidate | EDI Consultant | Open to New Connections | All Views Are My Own
?By Ifza Shakoor, Decolonial Scholar-Activist
?
Understanding Islamophobia: More Than Just a Word
Last month was Islamophobia Awareness Month, and I have been prompted to think about the word 'Islamophobia'. We use it a lot to talk about how Muslims are treated unfairly, but does it really show the whole picture?
Last month, I wrote an article on Islamophobia Awareness Month, this received some valuable feedback of one of the readers, who prompted me to rethink the term, Islamophobia.
The article can be accessed here: https://www.raceequalitymatters.com/islamophobia-awareness-month/
While it's commonly used to describe prejudice against Muslims, does it fully capture the complex reality of hate crimes and discrimination?
Islamophobia, with its implication of irrational fear, may not be the right term for the deliberate and ideologically driven nature of such prejudice.
?
Reflecting Media Influence
The portrayal of Muslims in media significantly influences public perception. A striking example is a recent cartoon in The Times, contrasting Remembrance Day with a pro-Palestine protest, portraying the latter in a negative light. This portrayal highlights the power of media in shaping attitudes towards Muslims and emphasises the need for responsible and fair representation.
?
The image is below:
?
领英推荐
?
The Need for Precise Language
The term 'Islamophobia' doesn't quite capture the hostility and prejudice against Muslims. The use of phobia can make it sound like the religion is something to be feared. Other religious groups, like Jews, are discussed in terms of anti-Semitism, a term that directly addresses hostility. In contrast, Islamophobia may unintentionally imply that the discrimination is more about fear than hatred. A rethink of the term is necessary.
?
A Call for Suggestions: Beyond 'Islamophobia'
The words we choose make a big difference in how we understand and fight against unfair treatment. By using the right terms, we can get a better grasp of the problem and find better ways to stop it. Changing the word isn't just about being fancy with language; it's about making sure we're really talking about what's happening. We're inviting suggestions for a more appropriate term. Could 'anti-Muslim racism' be more fitting? What other term might fit better? The term must explicitly acknowledge discrimination as a form of racism or bigotry, rather than an irrational fear.
?
The Importance of Accurate Representation in Combating Discrimination
Accurate representation in media and public discourse is vital. By choosing language that more accurately reflect the nature of discrimination against Muslims, we can contribute to a deeper understanding and more effective strategies to combat it. This call for a rethink is not just about language; it's about aligning our words with the realities of hate crimes.
Tackling Islamophobia with Knowledge and Equality
In addressing hatred against Muslims, it's important to understand its impact on everyday lives. From mental wellbeing to workplace challenges, the effects of Islamophobia are profound and far-reaching. Islam, at its core, promotes equality, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad's message in his last sermon, emphasising no superiority based on race or ethnicity.
Reflecting on the Facts and Statistics
Linking back to the last article, Muslims are statistically more likely to face unemployment and discrimination. For a clearer understanding, a report by MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) outlines significant statistics, including the alarming increase in Islamophobic hate crimes and derogatory social media posts. These numbers paint a sobering picture of Islamophobia's impact on the UK's Muslim population. MEND’s website can be accessed here: https://www.mend.org.uk
Taking Action: Simple Steps Towards Change
Combating Islamophobia requires active participation from everyone. Learning more about Islam, speaking out against Islamophobic comments, making connections with Muslims in your community, and reflecting on personal biases are some steps we can all take.
As we continue to observe Islamophobia Awareness Month in future years, we should use this as an opportunity to embrace the values of understanding and equality but also to engage in a thoughtful conversation about the language we use. By doing so, we can work towards dismantling the grounds of Islamophobia - hate crime against Muslims, and ensure language reflects the serious nature of these crimes.
?
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
3 个月That was a good read. I agree.
Academic Associate and PHD Researcher in Critical Pychology
10 个月Brilliant post and actually is the crux of my doctoral project. I have written an unpublished chapter on this. We need participation like yours to dismantle coloniality imbued within the term islamophobia. I have sent a DM to you.
"Someone that absolutely passes the vibe check and is a pretty badass woman" ~shared with permission of the student who stated this.
11 个月This was a good read! One of the folks on my dissertation committee, Dr Christian van Gorder, was very against the term Islamophobia as well for similar reasons. I agree that language should change to be more reflective of reality, but have yet to find a term that 1) encompasses it and 2) is understood as readily by others.