Dear Activist,
Approximately four in 10 people hold “unfavorable views about Muslims,” according to the United Nations. Anti-Muslim, by definition, is any form of discrimination or violence against the Islamic faith or the people following the religion. When they are in the minority, Muslims often face stereotypes enforced by others who are not aligned with Islam. They are targeted “based on stereotypical ‘Muslim’ characteristics, such as names, skin color and clothing, including religious attire, such as headscarves.”
In an address to the Human Rights Council, Ahmed Shaheed shed light on the rise in anti-Muslim practices and opinions. Ahmed Shaheed is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief. Shaheed states that “harmful stereotypes and tropes about Muslims and Islam are chronically reinforced by mainstream media, powerful politicians, influencers of popular culture and in academic discourse.”
Anti-Muslim Hate on a Global Scale
More than one million Muslims are being held in Chinese reeducation camps; most of those people belong to the Uyghur ethnic group. This Muslim population comes from Xinjiang, which is located in northwest China. CFR reveals that roughly 800,000 to 2,000,000 Muslims have been taken to those camps since April of 2017.
China’s hostile treatment of Uyghur Muslims, specifically, has caused the United States to deem the repression of these people a genocide. The conditions in the concentration camps are brutal as Muslims must pledge their loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and learn Mandarin. Others in the camps are tortured, monitored critically, and fall susceptible to sexual assault and rape.
In March of 2021, the French senate voted for the “prohibition in the public space of any conspicuous religious sign by minors and of any dress or clothing which would signify an interiorization of women over men,” according to Vogue. The ruling is not a law yet; however, the 5.4 million Muslims who live in France will be impacted greatly. If the ruling is passed, “the age of consent for sex will be be lower than the age of consent for hijab,” which will be 15.
In the United States, rates of anti-Muslim discrimination heightened post 9/11. The U.S. Department of Justice has recorded over “800 incidents since 9/11 involving violence, threats, vandalism and arson.” The crimes were against those of Middle Eastern descent. Cases of anti-Muslim hate consisted of internet threats and various forms of assault. 9/11 evidently increased the stigma and violence surrounding Muslims, Arabs, and others of Middle Eastern origin.
Activate Change
Through the power of our voices, we have the ability to enact international change. We must take initiative as we have the ability to impact millions. We are capable of bettering the lives of those who are victims of anti-Muslim violence and hate. Education acts as the foundation of a more welcoming and tolerant society. If we take those extra steps to educate ourselves, the world will be rid of several issues.
- Spread awareness through social media! You have the power to reach and impact a broad audience online, so use that to your advantage.
- Report hate crimes to the authorities. We cannot let ourselves be bystanders to acts of anti-Muslim hate.
- Support victims of anti-Muslim discrimination and violence. You can comfort victims by giving them any necessary assistance.
- Donate to the Muslim Justice League. You can read about their work here and donate here. You can also become a member of the organization!
- Steer away from ignorance! Educate yourself and your peers on Islamophobia, anti-Muslim discrimination, and the Islam faith.
- Donate to the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Their work revolves around improving “public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims.”
The media lacks coverage on anti-Muslim discrimination and violence; therefore, it is our responsibility to spread awareness and inform others of these issues. It is unjust for Muslims to live with a recurring fear of threats, assault, and hate on an everyday basis. Uyghur Muslims should not be tortured and captured. Young French girls should not be obligated to show their hair. Muslims should not fall susceptible to violence because of their religion. You must use your voice to benefit others.
Cordially,
Nika Tarkian