Islamophobia and its Consequences
Islamophobia and its Consequences

Author(s): Chris Allen
Subject(s): Politics and religion, Ethnic Minorities Studies
Published by: CEPS Centre for European Policy Studies
Summary/Abstract: “Islamophobia is the shorthand way of referring to dread or hatred of Islam – and, therefore, to fear or dislike of all or most Muslims”, wrote the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia in the Runnymede report a decade ago. Widely accepted as the definition of Islamophobia, and given the report’s impact, it might come as some surprise that only five years ago, the term and concept of Islamophobia had little discursive relevance or value beyond the UK. Today, the situation is completely c hanged. Nowadays, Islamophobia emerges from many bi-polar extremes: from those who denounce any criticism of Muslims or Islam whatsoever as Islamophobic, to those who actively and openly espouse a vitriolic hatred of Islam and Muslims founded upon various ideological justifications. Consequently, little clear thinking or expression rarely – if indeed ever – comes into the equation as regards its usage or understanding. From the high-profile murder of Theo van Gogh in the Netherlands and the ensuing backlash against Muslims, to complaints about irresponsible parking during Friday prayers, these disparate and myriad events are indiscriminately incorporated into the discourse of Islamophobia. Islamophobia in many ways therefore remains an undifferentiated and bland term, employed to satisfy or appease in numerous and to various degrees.

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