Cause And Effects Of Islamophobia

Islamophobia is a hatred and fear toward Islam and Muslims that results in discrimination creating a distorted understanding of Islam and Muslims. In the western countries such as the United States, France and the United Kingdom Islamophobia is one of the contemporary manifestations of the problem of prejudice and racism that has afflicted the nation since its earliest days. Muslims have been involved in historical American movements combatting prejudice, but only after the 9/11 terror attacks have they become a primary focus for purveyors of hate. Acts of terrorism, such as the September 11 attack (2001), Paris, the Charlie Hebdo attack in January of 2015, and a Mosque bombing in Yemen that killed 130 in March of 2015, have caused such fear

Bringing light to European countries, a very small proportion of populations are Muslim and therefore they are often considered as outsiders. Such acts of terrorism have sparked a chain reaction, leading to Muslims being portrayed in a negative way in the media. As a result, those residing in Europe who are Muslims experience severe racism in the form of less job opportunities and general discrimination. Many Muslims have been receiving unjustified and hostile treatment simply due to their religious beliefs, especially in European nations. Such treatment towards Muslim people is a violation of one’s basic human right and may perhaps be a threat to cohesion within societies.

Definition of Key Terms

Islamophobia

Islamophobia is a hatred and fear toward Islam and Muslims that results in discrimination creating a distorted understanding of Islam and Muslims.

Islam

Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that there is only one incomparable God and that Muhammad is the messenger of God.

Background

Major Causes of Islamophobia oo Media Representation

The U.S. media overemphasizes negative coverage and news pertaining to Muslims and Islam leading to an exaggerated sense of threat, and consequently fear and hate. An academic study covered by The Washington Post found that in a four-year period, 12 percent of domestic attacks conducted by Muslims received, on average, 449 percent more media coverage than 88 percent of attacks committed by others. Political Rhetoric

Politicians play on people’s emotions and exploit their fear to actively instigate Islamophobia when it serves their own political interests. Violent Extremists

Although violent groups like ISIS target and murder more Muslims than any others, these groups continue to color American perceptions of Islam and all Muslims. American foreign Policy

Politicians play on people’s emotions and exploit their fear to actively instigate Islamophobia when it serves their own political