Communicating ‘Truth’: Challenging Islamophobia

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The genealogy of Islamophobia dates back almost as far as the formation of the faith of Islam. Throughout this period Islam has been ascribed with various negative images by various actors attaching a racialised ‘truth’ to Muslims. It is posited here that through on-going processes of racialisation, Muslims in the contemporary era continue to be subjected to a form of cultural racism more widely known as Islamophobia. Herein stereotypical depictions of Muslims and Islam operate to emphasise perceived cultural differences and the supposed threat Islam holds to presumed homogenous ‘Western’ values. Today, media and political discourses play an influential role in communicating this ‘truth, ' sustaining negative characterisations of Islam and Muslims. This chapter, looking mainly at the UK as an exemplar, will demonstrate the problematic nature of mass-media representations of Islam and how these images inform a somewhat myopic public audience. The role of the media is matched by that of political discourse and legislative instruments which further stigmatise Islamic identities by singling Muslims out as the main ‘problem community’ while paying little attention to Muslims and their experiences of discriminatory and at times hostile treatment. However, it is posited here that these agencies and the stereotypical representations which serve to sustain a constructed ‘truth’ of Islamic can be challenged. Effective data collection which exposes the levels of discrimination and Islamophobic sentiment in society can lead to informed governmental legislation resulting with the creation of an alternative ‘truth’ about Muslims and Islamic Otherness; creating a platform from which the current acceptability of this form of racism can be contested.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCommunication
Subtitle of host publicationBreakdowns and Breakthroughs
PublisherBrill
Pages53-69
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781848882096
ISBN (Print)9789004372054
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2019

Keywords

  • government
  • Islamophobia
  • media
  • Muslims
  • racialisation

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