Dismantling Anti-Muslim Sentiment in the United States
The United States prides itself on its freedom, including freedom of religion. But while Muslim Americans may be free to practice Islam, they still find themselves facing prejudice and discrimination from society at large. Here’s a look at anti-Muslim sentiment in the US, and how we can dismantle Islamophobia in our country and communities.
What Is Islamophobia?
A basic Islamophobia definition is that it is “an extreme fear of and hostility toward Islam and Muslims.” It is anti-Muslim sentiment that can be widespread and can have many negative impacts. Islamophobia:
Often leads to hate speech and hate crimes
Often leads to social and political discrimination
Can be used to rationalize policies such as mass surveillance, incarceration, and disenfranchisement
Can influence domestic and foreign policy
Is often used to promote discriminatory policies that serve the interests of political actors
Sadly, Islamophobia has been around since before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and has continued to exist long after. Gallup polls found that Muslims “are more likely than Americans of other major religious groups to say they, personally, have experienced racial or religious discrimination in the past year.” Even Americans acknowledge this reality; 52% say that Western societies do not respect Muslims.
Another poll found that “even among Americans who report no personal prejudice toward Muslims, one-third say they have an unfavorable opinion about Islam.” Given these troubling attitudes, let’s explore how Muslims and non-Muslims alike can—and do—work toward dismantling Islamophobia.
How To Counter Islamophobia
Enacting the following strategies are some of the best ways to counter Islamophobia and promote an environment of peace and understanding.
Better Representation in Media
The perpetuation of negative stereotypes of Muslims in American media is undoubtedly a significant part of the problem. A study of the influence of media stereotypes on Americans’ opinions of Muslims found that:
Exposure to news portraying Muslims as terrorists is positively associated with support for public policies that harm Muslims domestically and internationally.
Exposing participants to negative Muslim media footage, relative to neutral or no-video footage, increased perceptions of Muslims as aggressive [and] increased support for harsh civil restrictions of Muslim Americans.
Exposure to positive Muslim footage yielded opposite results.
These findings demonstrate the power of media to tear down or build up opinions of Muslims. This means that positive portrayals of Muslims can have truly meaningful impacts on countering Islamophobia.
The Imagined Contact Strategy
Psychologists have found that imagining positive contact with a member of an outside group can improve the imaginer’s perception of that group. Good job, brain!
More Interaction With Diverse Groups
If imagined contact is helpful, then real contact certainly is, too! When people participate in community events, organizations, and projects that bring diverse groups together, they are better able to understand and respect others. Community gardens are a great example of this, and a perfect opportunity to expand your horizons, strengthen your community, and support your health at the same time!
Muslims in Leadership
Tackling systemic discrimination by creating opportunities for Muslims in leadership is a fantastic way to combat anti-Muslim sentiment. Muslim leadership gives voice and power to marginalized communities, and paves the way for better inclusion and equality.
Strategies for Muslim Americans
The Council on American-Islamic Relations offers these recommendations for American Muslim individuals who want to help eradicate prejudice:
Be an example of the Islamic traditions of patience and reason
Be an open neighbor
Be active in community life
Be active in political life
Document and report acts of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination
Confront Islamophobia in the news and entertainment media
Write a letter to the editor of a problematic outlet
Address Islamophobia on the internet
Confront Islamophobia from public figures
Support local, regional, and national Muslim organizations
Islam in America
Although Muslims still face prejudice in the US, progress has been made over time. As the Muslim population in the US increases, there are more opportunities for non-Muslim Americans to interact with and understand them. There are also growing Muslim communities that can offer support. This is evident in the expansion of Muslim houses of worship. In 2000, a study found 1,209 mosques in the US. The follow-up study in 2020 found 2,769 mosques.
Flourishing Muslim communities also provide opportunities for Muslims in leadership. Here in Hamtramck, Michigan, our first Muslim mayor was sworn in, reportedly making us the first city in the US to have an all-Muslim council and mayor!
Here at One New Humanity, we serve many Muslim community members in the Detroit and Hamtramck regions of Michigan. Through our nonprofit thrift store, Joy Thrift in Hamtramck, and our community garden, Sylhet Farm, we work to support immigrant, refugee, and low-income communities in our area.
Our thrift store, community garden, and other community initiatives like Sisterhood Fitness and the upcoming C. Love Bakery make an incredible impact on the lives of Hamtramck residents. You can be part of that by donating now to support our work! If you’re in the Detroit area, consider dropping off in-kind donations, organizing a collection drive, or shopping at Joy Thrift! Together we can elevate our beautiful community, and bring joy and support to those who need it most.