Islamophobia...

Looking at the causes and ways to tackle them

OIC Journal, Issue 1

If peace, harmony and equality are to prevail we should start by learning to better communicate with each other based on mutual respect, understanding and empathy of each other. Using such terms as “Islamic fascists”, “Muslim terrorists” and “Islamist fundamentalist extremists” do not help in fighting the so called “war on terrorism”.

On the contrary, such offensive, irresponsible and insensitive terms only serve to inflame resentment towards the US and instill a fear of Muslims in westerns' mind.

Profiling 'Asian looking' people at airports and removing individuals with 'Muslim sounding names' from airplanes because they make others uncomfortable is a clear indication of a growing biased fear and suspicion of Muslims.

The publication and republication of cartoons in European media caricaturing the Prophet Mohammed in a way perceived by Muslims as deliberately insulting and defamatory but done, according to the publishers, in the name of freedom of the press, exposed a cultural divide that erupted into anger because of stereotyping.

The horrific, criminal and unjustified terrorist acts of 9/11 in New York and 7/7 in London violently expressed the frustration, disappointment and disillusion that are festering deep in the Muslims' soul towards the aggressions and discriminations committed against them by the West.

Recognizing the importance of communication to clarify the mound of misunderstandings and negative feelings between the West and the Muslim world, the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference initiated in association with Wilton Park in London on May 2, 2006 the conference on 'Challenging stereotypes in Europe and the Islamic world: Working together for constructive policies and partnerships'.

Senior policy-makers and officials from Europe, OIC member states, the United Nations and the European Union as well as representatives, academic and experts from Muslim communities and NGOs in Europe and North America discussed practical measures to combat stereotypes and prejudice in both Europe and the Islamic world.

Most agreed that multiculturalism in Europe has come under severe strain in recent years. Others believed that the issues at stake are not exclusively about Islam and Muslims. Stereotyping and prejudice arise when there is marginalization and alienation, primarily among minorities, whether they are migrants or indigenous workers. The policy should therefore be based on recognition, respect and inclusion. There is also a need to promote common citizenship and recognize multiculturalism rather than speak of minorities. Meanwhile, Muslims need to engage in policy formulation, they should be present and engaged in public institutions, to be part of the solution to the current problems.

The threat to multicultural societies comes from extremists on both sides. Fear of change and of the “other”, which is a major cause of prejudice, can be tackled by dialogue and creating opportunities for various groups to meet and know each other.

Economic and social measures are also needed to address the parallel societies that have formed, tackling inequalities in access to education, employment, housing and health.

Education plays a key role in combating ignorance and misinformation that often underlies fear and alienation. There is widespread agreement that greater knowledge of Islam is needed in Europe and equally about the West in Muslim majority societies.

This requires a change in school curriculum, while there are Islamic and Middle Eastern studies programs are available in European universities, there should be European studies program in Muslim countries.Subjects such as religion and history need careful attention and review in schools in both societies.

The recent caricature controversy has prompted a debate on the role of legislation in addressing blasphemy, defamation of religion and incitement of hatred on grounds of religion. An independent judiciary is vital to ensure that hate speech is closely monitored and does not enjoy, in some cases, impunity while freedom of expression is not limited under the pretext of preventing hate speech.

The existing international legal framework could be strengthened by all states ratifying international human rights treaties and implementing their provisions. Regional human rights institutions, some of which are absent in Asia and the Middle East, also have a role to play. Their legal frameworks and mechanisms need to reflect the views of their societies. With regards to tackling Islamophobia, developing a national action plan could be effective.

Of course the media also plays a major role in feeding Islamophobia. It focuses almost exclusively on conflict, disasters or violence in the Middle East.

When covering wars, some tend to become partisan. Disproportionate time and space are given to extremists while the opinions of moderate Muslims are ignored. The involvement of more European Muslims in mainstream media would help counter this situation. Media should be more representative and diverse. It can also try to present a more rounded view of Muslims and more coverage of their everyday lives. Non-Muslim journalists need to have more basic information about Muslims and their religion. Meanwhile, Muslim organizations and representatives of Muslim communities in Europe could benefit from training on how to deal with media. They can also organize to improve their own image and correct any misinformation and misrepresentation.

Western foreign policy is considered to be the single most significant factor determining the attitudes of many Muslims toward the West. They point to inconsistencies, biases and double standards in western policy approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Hamas election victory, Bosnia and Chechnya, intervention in Iraq, prison abuses at Abu Ghraib and in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, it was acknowledged that were the Islamic world to take more responsibility to address the problems of bad governance in its own backyard there would be less need for others to do so.

Unfortunately, Islam often conjures in the western minds images of authoritarian government, subjugation of women, cruel punishments of Sharia Law and violence in the popular Western mind.

Such perceptions, some argue, are based on a lack of accurate information, misrepresentation and stereotyping. It is important to recognize that certain structural features of a state as backwardness, inefficient economy and underdevelopment hamper democracy and human rights in some Muslim countries. It is also important to recognize that some governments in these Muslim countries are committing themselves to political and other reforms and they should be supported. The content and pace of reform will likely vary in line with the local conditions and specificities of each country.

Urgent action and dialogue are needed by governments in both the West and in the Muslim world to bridge the gulf of misunderstanding or 'clash of ignorance' which has led to the rise of stereotyping of Muslims and associated acts of intolerance and discrimination. Inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, civil society actors, the media, local communities and others all have a role to play.