Islamophobia; what Muslims can do?

Although the term Islamophobia is commonly used after 2001 September eleventh attacks, it probably dates back to 1980’s, when the presence of Muslims in Western world increased.
“In 1997, the British Runnymede Trust defined Islamophobia as the "dread or hatred of Islam and therefore, to the fear and dislike of all Muslims," stating that it also refers to the practice of discriminating against Muslims by excluding them from the economic, social, and public life of the nation. It includes the perception that Islam has no values in common with other cultures, is inferior to the West and is a violent political ideology rather than a religion.” [1].
Islamophobia is a form of racism and discrimination, though rarely studied and regarded in this sense.

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The rule of media in spreading Islamophobic ideas and sentiments is very vital. The unrealistic representation of Muslims in some Western media is one of media tricks that have been used to manipulate the reality.
However, here I need to mention two things. First of all I don’t say some ferocious acts by some (so-called) Muslims did not happen. But the point is, some media over symbolize and over generalize these happenings to all Muslims.
Also by saying that, I do not mean to apply a conspiracy theory to my ideas. I do not believe there is an orchestrated effort among the majority of westerners to confront with Muslims. But we can not deny that there is such an effort among some westerners. The idea of confronting Muslims especially invigorated, as I mentioned, after 9/11th. The cruel act of killing civilians by some extremists provided neo-conservatives with an excuse to spearhead the assaults on Muslim’s faith and culture.
All said, underlines the importance of a self criticizing process among Muslims. I think the key phrase for Muslims is “do not ask what the westerners can do for you, but ask what you can do to heal the situation”.


[1]. Runnymede 1997, p. 5, cited in Quraishi 2005, p. 60.