Source: The Guardian
Islamophobia is on the rise in Germany. That is troubling enough. But what’s even more concerning is that many of those whom I would define as Islamophobic feel very good about it. They see themselves not as racist or xenophobic, but as defenders of democracy and human rights against the adherents of a religion they believe is incompatible with both.
Over the past few years the advance of Islamophobia can be easily observed. Anti-Muslim websites such as Politically Incorrect have expanded and become more aggressive, cherry-picking reports of crimes by Muslim perpetrators in order to confirm their prejudices; books with a clear anti-Muslim agenda – such as that of Thilo Sarrazin, a former Berlin finance senator – have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, including claims that Muslim immigrants are “dumbing down” Germany; parties such as Pro Köln, which hysterically warn of an “Islamic land grab”, have been founded.
It is against this backdrop that we have to look at the weekly protests in Dresden against the “Islamisation” of Germany. Few of those attending are neo-Nazis or classic rightwing radicals. Instead, the vast majority are normal citizens. Interestingly, and perhaps tellingly, there are hardly any Muslims in Dresden. Islamophobia apparently has as much to do with imagination as with reality.
Islam is not a race, hence any anti-Islamic sentiment is not racism. The author’s claim is spurious.
Furthermore, why is it that the term ‘phobia’ is used only in connection with anti-Islamic sentiment and never with any other religion?
If you discriminate against someone on the basis of his or her religion then you are going against the basic principles of liberal democracy.
The Islamophobes may be cutting the very branch they are sitting on.
Islamophobia: The Latest Discrimination like Racism, Focus USA
I agree that Islamophobia is not racism but that doesn’t make it any less pernicious. It still constitutes prejudice and bigotry. I don’t know that it much matters that the term ‘phobia’ doesn’t get applied to other religions. Would you feel better if these people were called anti-semites?
@ Susan; Yes, it does matter. The implication being that having negative Islamic sentiments is, somehow, worse than having the same against other religions, cultures or peoples. By making a ‘special’ word to describe it thus elevates to a worse ‘crime’ than others comparable (some that Muslims profess, by the way). That word can (and is) then used to ‘shame’ anyone that has even the least of criticisms. It’s a very convenient tool and freely used. Making terms like that are the work of perpetual ‘victims-in-their-own-minds’. It eases them from having to change (or ignore) any negative aspects that the group may possess or offend because, as a group, they are all have inordinate ‘victimhood’, and are thus exempt from any criticism.
Blanket hatred against any group simply because of who they are is wrong, no matter who they are.
Criticism, on the other hand, is not because it opens the door to civilized rational debate and, hopefully, possible understanding between the parties involved.
Just because I may critize you doesn’t mean I hate you. I means I disagree with you. Let’s talk about that, both with open minds.
I agree with Rubert that criticism does not amount to hatred and that it is healthy and essential to criticize. It is equally important to criticize patterns of behaviour which target people as a group, create stereotypes and lead to hatred. Equating Islamophobia to Racism by some people is a reaction to this enmasse stereotyping of Muslims. Rubert should use his good writing skills to condemn those who cause Muslims to feel like being treated in such a way that victim hood becomes the only refuge.