Western perceptions Flashcards
Bias and misrepresentation?
Media bias against Muslims is a persistent issue, with negative portrayals often framing them as a monolithic and threatening group. After 9/11, media treatment of Muslims worsened, contributing to Islamophobia. Despite efforts like Islamic Awareness Week, media coverage remains minimal. Research shows that biased media influences public attitudes towards Muslims.
Some, including ex-Muslims, argue that the media should critically address Islam’s treatment of women and minorities without fearing accusations of Islamophobia. Medhi Hassan criticizes the media for overreporting terrorist incidents by Muslims while underreporting similar violence by non-Muslims.
The English Defence League (EDL), often seen as Islamophobic, opposes Islamism and Sharia but is criticized for inciting hatred. Social surveys show that people are more accepting of Muslim neighbors than of Islam itself.
Definitions of Islamaophobia?
Islamophobia, a term popularized by the 1997 Runnymede Trust report, refers to an unfounded fear and dislike of Muslims, leading to exclusion and discrimination. Some view it as similar to racism or prejudice, while others argue it’s a hostility towards Muslims specifically, distinguishing it from general religious intolerance. The rise in Islamophobia has been linked to events like 9/11, where terrorism is wrongly associated with Islam, despite many Muslims condemning such acts. Others see Islamophobia as stemming from migration and the challenges of assimilation, leading to discrimination and even violence.
Runnnymede trust report
The Runnymede Trust report contrasts open and closed views of Islam. Open views are respectful and allow criticism, while closed views are Islamophobic. The report uses eight questions to assess these views, covering topics such as whether Islam is seen as monolithic or diverse, inferior or equal, and whether Muslims are seen as enemies or partners. It also considers attitudes towards Muslim criticisms of the West, discriminatory behavior, and anti-Muslim discourse. The report concludes that addressing corrosive Islamophobia requires leadership intervention.
Recorded Islamophobia?
The MCB tackles Islamophobia by promoting stronger community bonds and raising awareness. It defines eight categories of Islamophobic incidents: online abuse, threatening gestures, verbal abuse, hate mail, property attacks, discrimination, anti-Muslim literature, and assault.
Tell Mama, an organization helping Muslims affected by Islamophobia, reports that most attacks target teenagers, unveiled women, and those wearing the face veil, with 11% occurring in schools. Better teacher training is recommended.
The Runnymede Trust envisions a future where Islamophobia is eradicated, with British Muslims fully engaged in society. The vision includes legal sanctions against discrimination, Muslim participation in all aspects of life, and support for religious and cultural identity within education and employment.
Politics?
Muslims in Britain have increasingly engaged in politics, with figures like Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, reaching high positions. The Welsh Assembly has initiated outreach programs to hear Muslim views, and the Muslim Council of Wales advocates for local Muslims’ rights.
Political representation of Muslims in Parliament has grown, with MPs elected even in rural areas. Prime Ministers have made special Eid messages, and MPs consult Muslim communities to ensure proper representation.
David Cameron sought to move away from multiculturalism, focusing on fostering shared British values, but some critics argue this approach isolates Muslims further. Michael Gove has criticized Islamism, claiming some Muslims hold extremist views. However, some Muslims, like Sayeeda Warsi, argue that excluding Muslims from debates only worsens the situation. The Prevent program challenges the idea that Muslims follow a “conveyor belt” to radicalization.
Media sources?
Pervez Sadia’s analysis found significant media bias in the portrayal of Arabs and Muslims, with negative stories overwhelmingly dominating. Fox News, in particular, was noted for polarizing commentary that supports extreme views. While the media should report facts, bias is evident in overreporting negative aspects and underreporting peaceful aspects of Islam.
The Center for American Progress combats Islamophobia by exposing groups spreading misinformation. A Cardiff University study found that over 60% of articles in UK media portrayed Islam negatively, often focusing on radicalism. Miqdadd Versi of the MCB criticizes headlines that unnecessarily include “Muslim,” arguing it fuels hostility. He suggests Muslims raise awareness about Islam’s peaceful nature and encourage diversity in the media to counter this negativity.
