Those who discriminate against Muslims are playing directly into the hands of IS
Anti-Muslim hatred leads people directly into the hands of IS recruiters and aggravates the very issue of radicalisation that we are trying to avert. The more people act out of fear and cause Muslims to be ostracised in our society, the greater the chances of them turning to extremism.
If all Muslims are approached as if they were extremists, with hostility and hatred, they may indeed develop such extremist views in order to defend themselves from this treatment.
Recent figures show that anti-Muslim hate crimes are up by 70 per cent. These crimes vary from cyber-bullying to extreme violence, but it appears that women, particularly those who are identifiably Muslim through their clothing, are targeted more frequently than others. As a result, many Muslims feel under attack and vulnerable in their own country, something that should surely be avoided in a liberal democratic state like ours.
Those who discriminate against Muslims are doing exactly what IS want. As hate crimes are committed, Muslims are cornered into looking elsewhere for protection, identity and solutions. This vacuum leaves Muslims vulnerable and thus more open to extremist exploitation.
IS propaganda is specifically designed to target those who are unfulfilled, defenceless or aggrieved. As Quilliam’s Charlie Winter has put it, IS ‘sell themselves as champions of social justice, law, order and defiance in the face of the ‘oppressor”. Hate crimes and anti-Muslim bigotry push people into a state that makes them more open to IS propaganda and, therefore, more vulnerable to radicalisation.
Hate crimes affect not only the current generation but also our children. We know environmental factors play a key role in growing up for young people. As hate crimes surge, the next generation is increasingly exposed to views that incorrectly paint all Muslims as extremists. This may cause Muslim children to grow up vulnerable to radicalisation, defensive about their faith, and less likely to integrate into British society. This defence can quickly turn to offence as more radicalising triggers present themselves.
Moreover, hate crimes hinder the public image of counter-extremism by unintentionally creating the façade that Islam, rather than Islamism, is being opposed. Counter-extremism tackles radicalisation and extremism as phenomena and is opposed to those who commit or support ideologically-motivated intolerance, violent or otherwise, to further political aims.
If Muslims are being attacked for their faith rather than Islamists challenged for their bigotry, we reduce ourselves to the very intolerance we are trying to fight. This is why human rights are so important to counter-extremism.
Rather than acting out of hate, those concerned about extremism should respond in more constructive ways:
1. We should defend the right for freedom from discrimination and the rights for people to practise their own religion or wear religious attire. We are all entitled to these freedoms, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexuality.
2. We must stop confusing the religion of Islam with the political ideology of Islamist extremism. That way, when we challenge extremists, we will not cause prejudice or impair anyone’s right to practise their faith.
3. When faced with extremism, whether Islamist, far-right or others, we should challenge it just as we would challenge bullying or racism. Preventing extremism is not a job solely for the government or security forces to uphold, but rather a role for everyone to engage in.
4. As TellMAMA identifies, we should engage with cross-cultural exchange and dialogue amongst all cultures, irrespective of faith differences. This will not only make our nation more open and accepting of varied backgrounds, but will also mean that Muslims can play a constructive role in challenging the extremism in their communities.
As a result of these constructive actions, people will feel increasingly at home in their own nation and IS propaganda will have less of a foothold. Critically, these actions are not only useful for combatting extremism; they are also vital components of life in Britain that are worth defending.
Therefore, as anti-Muslim hatred diminishes, so will the perceived need for it.
Jonathan Russell is a political liaison officer and Rachel Bryson is a researcher, both at Quilliam
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76 Responses to “Comment: anti-Muslim hatred is a self-fulfilling prophecy”
Kriegar
“also no doubt that I have contributed more to society in general – both intellectually and financially”
No doubt that you baselessly make claims that you have no way of knowing to be true. No doubt that you are generally just a cocksucker, who thinks he is better than other people. What you are is a pussy, a troll, and a coward. So shut up. go back in your little cave in your mommy’s basement, and get an actual life. I, unlike you, am culturally and intellectually fulfilled enough that I do not have insecurities that lead me to denigrate others. You, an ass and a boor, have no culture, no manners, and no education of which to speak. I suspect that you are neither confrontational, nor nearly as ballsy as you claim. I suspect that you are a whole lot of mouth. with a narcissistic complex, who is a mouse in public. Gutless, feminine, unintelligent, and boring. But, if you can ever bring your white trash, no value self out in public, come see me, you little puss, and I will give you the slapdown your mommy should have. You fucking keyboard gangsters. Trolls. You think that you intimidate everyone else, because your own words have you pissing in your pants, but in reality, you intimidate no one. So give me an address or take one from me, and put up, or shut the fuck up. Wife beating bitch. You are a coward who is ashame dto use his own name, pussy. Probably using your crusty-assed grandfathers, or something. I have no idea where you get your lying bullshit that I use a fake profile name, lady. I am who I am. And I wouldn’t waste time taking you, or anyone else,”out back”, I would mop the floor with you right where you kneel to blow me. Of all the unmitigated gall, some pointless diatribe producing wimp like you, projecting all of your failed attempts at manhood on someone else. I served my country, you gutless wonder. I volunteered to do it. What in the holy hell have you done, other than leech off of your parents, and society? You, my good friend, are a nothing. A nobody. So take your pointless rants and wipe your nasty ass on them, at least then they might have some value/ You just sucked some wasteful milliseconds out of everyones’ lives with your crap. Now go do something IRL. You have no morals, no moral compass, no responsibility, nor any redeeming social value.
Kriegar
Thank you. I must have totally misunderstood your post.
Kriegar
You fucking retard, I knew that in the first place; but you aren’t going to run and hide your cowardly ass that easy, lady.
Richard Abbott
It is disappointing that your service to your country taught you nothing.
Still using a fake name? And you want my address. You have my name and I’ve told you a lot about my past – you can find me if you want.
All I have of you is your preschool playground superhero pretend play name.
Still with the moral courage eh? You dare not put your real name to the things you write.
You need to find a way to get over your shame. Give me your real name.
An a side point – when socialist warrior, PC justice types start using racist and homophobic slurs it ruins your intellectual credibility with everyone who has a brain. You’ll be fine with almost all the other socialists because most of them are not very bright and the ones who are relatively clever have no morals.
I don’t mind principled socialists – but they are so ‘old school’ nowadays – still a few around. Take a few lessons from them
1) Don’t be racist or homophobic
2) Don’t threaten violence
If you are going to be violent – just do it – you don’t warn your opponent.
Basics, laddy, basics…..
Anyway – lots of colorful prose – very nice. A little naive, but entertaining. Still afraid to use his own name. 6/10.
Richard Abbott
Here I am sugar lips.
Daddy’s waiting to school you again.