ISLAM, ethnicity, prejudice, and tolerance? Discuss with reference to ISLAM-OPHOBIA

Essay by derricdUniversity, Bachelor's February 2004

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ISLAM-OPHOBIA

If Islam is walking around with the metaphorical chip on its shoulder, it may be because, some might say, after the way it's been treated since Muhammad p&b-A-b-u-h first heard the words of Allah, it has good reason.

The word Islamophobia is a relatively new name that has recently been coined, to reflect the new wave of anti-Muslim prejudice that has grown over the last couple of years since 911. Since September 11th, a backlash has been aimed at all Muslims, moderate and fundamentalist alike. This failure by those who are ignorant of the subject to distinguish between the many diverse followers of Islam, and the tendency to tar all Muslims with the extremist brush has meant that many innocent people have come under attack for no reason other than the religion that they follow.

This negative image of Muslims and Islam is not a new phenomenon however. In fact the oppression of the Muslims, and of Islam itself by the west, goes as far back as the Crusades, when early Christian soldiers marched to Palestine in order to "free" Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Islamic influence and authority.

As they marched toward the wars the marching crusaders sung Songs that portrayed Islam and Muslims not only negatively, but also as infidels and idolaters.

The ushering in of the twentieth century brought about a very different, quicker, and much simpler way to attack Islam and demonize the Muslim, using the power of the media. What this did was bring about a very new type of crusader, one who brought a more energetic and concerted effort to demonize Arabs and Muslims. (A) This allowed the European and American Jews to herd themselves in and invade Palestine after World War l and ll, and occupy a country not theirs with...