Islamophobia in the United Kingdom

Islamophobia in the United Kingdom refers to a set of discourses, behaviours and structures which express feelings of anxiety, fear, hostility and rejection towards Islam and/or Muslims in the United Kingdom.[1][2] Islamophobia can manifest itself through discrimination in the workforce, negative coverage in the media, and violence against Muslims.

As of 2017, acid attacks[3], arson attacks against mosques[4] and vehicle ramming have statistically risen against Muslims, predominately in England and Scotland.[5]

In employment

Many studies and surveys have concluded that Muslims face discrimination in the work force. Research in 2014 by Dr Nabil Khattab and Professor Ron Johnston using data from the Office for National Statistics' Labour Force Survey found that "Muslim men were up to 76% less likely to have a job of any kind compared to white, male British Christians of the same age and with the same qualifications."[6] An April 2016 report by Nabil Khattab and Shereen Hussein found that first-generation Muslim women from Bangladesh were over six times more likely to be unemployed than White non-Muslim women when adjusting for factors such as "level of education, family situation and age." First generation Muslim Pakistani and Muslim Black women faced less discrimination but were still four times more likely to be unemployed than White non-Muslim women when adjusting for those same factors.[7]

In education

Various incidents have occurred where students were attacked while near school or on campus. Women and girls who wear headscarves are especially targeted.[8][9][10]

In airports

In August 2016, Muslim mental health worker who helps to prevent radicalisation Faizah Shaheen, was detained at Doncaster Sheffield Airport under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for reading Syria Speaks: Art and Culture from the Frontline on a Thomson Airways plane. Shaheen claimed she was targeted and singled out because she was Muslim.[11] Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, director of English PEN Jo Glanville, and co-editor of Syria Speaks Zaher Omareen expressed outrage at the incident.[12] In July 2017, Shaheen sued Thomson Airways asking for an apology. The company said that their crew were trained to report "any concerns they may have as a precaution."[11]

In politics

Some raised concerns over the comments made about then candidate for mayor, Sadiq Khan during the 2016 London mayoral election which attempted to link Khan to Islamist extremists.[13] Public opinion polling at the time showed that 31% of Londoners were "uncomfortable" with the prospect of a Muslim mayor.[14] The Vote Leave campaign during leading up to the Brexit vote was also criticized as frequently portraying Muslim immigrants as a threat to future of the country.[15] The government issued Casey Review into Integration and Opportunity which aimed to examine the conditions for immigrants to the United Kingdom was criticized for its over focus of the Muslim community, as well as deeper methodical failings.[16][17] In 2014, over a third of Muslims in the UK said politicians often make bigoted comments towards Muslims.[18]

In the media

The media, particularly the Daily Mail and the Daily Express, have been criticized for an inappropriate comments on migrants, immigration and Muslims.[19] A December 2015 survey by City University, London of journalists found an underrepresentation of Muslims in the field. Only 0.4% of British journalists identified as Muslim or Hindu, 31.6% were Christian, and 61.1% had "no religion."[20]

An academic paper by Katy Sian published in the journal South Asian Popular Culture in 2011 explored the question of how "forced conversion narratives" arose around the Sikh diaspora in the United Kingdom.[21] Sian, who reports that claims of conversion through courtship on campuses are widespread in the UK, says that rather than relying on actual evidence they primarily rest on the word of "a friend of a friend" or on personal anecdote. According to Sian, the narrative is similar to accusations of "white slavery" lodged against the Jewish community and foreigners to the UK and the US, with the former having ties to anti-semitism that mirror the Islamophobia betrayed by the modern narrative. Sian expanded on these views in 2013's Mistaken Identities, Forced Conversions, and Postcolonial Formations.[22]

On 16 June 2017, BBC Radio 4 acknowledged a complaint that it failed to properly introduce or challenge Frank Gaffney's "conspiracy theories about Muslims and Islam" when he appeared as a guest on Today.[23]

In the justice system

A ruling in March 2016 by the European Court of Human Rights effectively cleared of criminal responsibility security officials responsible for the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes in 2005. De Menezes was trailed and then shot dead at London’s Stockwell tube station by jumpy security officers who mistook him for a suicide bomber a fortnight after multiple bombings on the capital’s transport network in 2005. Critics of the ruling claimed that it upheld the right of the authorities to kill potentially innocent people on the basis of mere supposition and racial/religious prejudice.[24]

Stereotypes

In June 2004, prior to the 7/7 attacks on the London Underground, the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, warned that increased attacks against individuals and mosques, was resulting in bitterness that created violent "time-bombs".[25]

Hate crimes

Some Muslims have been victims of violence because of their religion.[26] In 2005, The Guardian commissioned an ICM poll which indicated an increase in anti-Muslim incidents, particularly after the London bombings in July 2005.[27][28] Another survey of Muslims, this by the Open Society Institute, found that of those polled 32% believed they had suffered religious discrimination at airports, and 80% said they had experienced Islamophobia.[29][30]

In January 2010, a report by the University of Exeter's European Muslim research centre noted that the number of anti-Muslim hate crimes has increased, ranging from "death threats and murder to persistent low-level assaults, such as spitting and name-calling," for which the media and politicians have been blamed with fueling anti-Muslim hatred. The Islamophobic incidents it described include: "Neil Lewington, a violent extremist nationalist convicted in July 2009 of a bomb plot; Terence Gavan, a violent extremist nationalist convicted in January 2010 of manufacturing nail bombs and other explosives, firearms and weapons; a gang attack in November 2009 on Muslim students at City University; the murder in September 2009 of Muslim pensioner, Ikram Syed ul-Haq; a serious assault in August 2007 on the Imam at London Central Mosque; and an arson attack in June 2009 on Greenwich Islamic Centre."[31][32] Other Islamophobic incidents mentioned in the report include "Yasir, a young Moroccan," being "nearly killed while waiting to take a bus from Willesden to Regent's Park in London" and "left in a coma for three months"; "Mohammed Kohelee," a "caretaker who suffered burns to his body while trying to prevent an arson attack against Greenwich Mosque"; "the murder" of "Tooting pensioner Ekram Haque" who "was brutally beaten to death in front of his three year old granddaughter" by a "race-hate" gang; and "police officers" being injured "during an English Defence League (EDL) march in Stoke."[33]

On the 26 August 2007 fans of the English football club Newcastle United directed anti-Muslim chants at Egyptian Middlesbrough F.C. striker Mido. An FA investigation was launched[34] He revealed his anger at The FA's investigation, believing that they would make no difference to any future abuse.[35] Two men were eventually arrested over the chanting and were due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court.[36]

A 2013 report by Professor Nigel Copsey of Teesside University, concluded that between 40% and 60% of mosques and other Islamic centers in the UK had suffered vandalism or arson.[37]

In the week following the June 2017 London attack, anti-Muslim hate crimes increased fivefold. It was the largest increase in hate crimes against Muslims in the country since the similar backlash following the 2013 Murder of Lee Rigby.[38] Acid attacks against Muslims such as the 2017 Beckton acid attack have also risen.[39] Days after the London Bridge attack, a man named Darren Osborne intentionally rammed a van into Muslims coming out of a mosque in London, killing one and leaving 10 people injured.[40]

Organisations

English Defence League

The English Defence League organises demonstrations against Islamism, but it has been criticised for targeting Muslims in general.

The emergence of the English Defence League has resulted in demonstrations in English cities with large Muslim populations.[41][42][43][44][45] The EDL is a far-right, anti-Islam[42][43][46][47][48] street protest movement which opposes what it considers to be a spread of Islamism, Sharia law and Islamic extremism in the United Kingdom.[49][50][51][52][53] The EDL has been described as Islamophobic.[54] It has had confrontations with various groups, including supporters of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and Anonymous.[55][56][57]

Co-founder and political activist Tommy Robinson left the group after 4 years to take on a more peaceful and political approach, and worried about the dangers of right wing extremism.[58]

Scottish Defence League

The SDL are similar to their counterpart and are very closely associated with the EDL. They are seen as Scotland's main anti-islamic group. The SDL hold regular demonstrations in Scottish cities. The group is mainly active in Edinburgh[59], Fife and Glasgow[60].

Two-time murderer Ronnie Coulter was seen in attendance at a 2016 Edinburgh protest.[61] Thomas Conington who petrol bombed the Edinburgh Central Mosque and received 4 years in prison in June 2017, was said to be associated with SDL members.[62]

Opposition

Several organizations exist in the United Kingdom to combat Islamophobia. Tell MAMA is an organization that monitors and records hate crimes against Muslims.[63] Following the passage of Executive Order 13769 by U.S. President Donald Trump, protests took place all across the country by non-Muslim Britons in solidarity with British Muslims and Muslim refugees.[64]

Following a protest by the EDL in April 2017, the Birmingham Central Mosque held a tea party with the goal of countering those demonstrations and promoting interfaith dialogue. The tea party ended up receiving more participants than the original EDL march.[65]

J-Voice, a socialist and progressive Jewish community project, has condemned what it refers to as a "a rise in hatred towards Muslims" and called for Muslims and Jews in the UK to remain united against the "far-right."[66][67][68] Following a meeting between Manchester’s Jewish community and Tommy Robinson, the Board of Deputies of British Jews stated that "Robinson’s record of anti-Muslim provocation means that he could never be a partner of a respectable or mainstream Jewish organisation."[68]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Richardson, Robin (2012), Islamophobia or anti-Muslim racism – or what? – concepts and terms revisited (PDF), p. 7, retrieved 10 December 2016
  2. ↑ Hogan, Linda; Lehrke, Dylan (2009). Religion and politics of Peace and Conflict. Wipf and Stock Publishers. p. 205. ISBN 9781556350672.
  3. ↑ "Gay Muslim wedding: Groom receives acid attack threats". BBC News. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  4. ↑ "Manchester mosque seriously damaged in suspected arson attack". The Telegraph. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  5. ↑ "Anti-Muslim hate crime surges after Manchester and London Bridge attacks". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  6. ↑ Dobson, Roger (30 November 2014). "British Muslims face worst job discrimination of any minority group". The Independent. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  7. ↑ British Sociological Association (7 April 2016). "Educated Muslim women much less likely to be in professional jobs than white women". phys.org. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  8. ↑ Mann, Tanveer (2016-09-29). "Boy, 11, pinned down and had bleach poured in his eyes by other school children". Metro. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  9. ↑ Ullah, Areeb (2016-03-04). "Female Muslim Students Assaulted Outside Strand Campus". Roar News. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  10. ↑ "Pigs' heads dumped outside Islamic school". The Guardian. 2015-12-22. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  11. 1 2 Elmasry, Yarra (21 July 2017). "Muslim woman detained for reading Syrian art book on plane takes court action". The Independent. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  12. ↑ Fenton, Siobhan (4 August 2016). "Police detention of Muslim woman who was reading Syrian art book on plane a 'gross act of misjudgement'". The Independent. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  13. ↑ Mason, Rowena (2016-05-06). "Zac Goldsmith attacked by senior Tory over London mayoral election tactics". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  14. ↑ Dathan, Matt (2015-08-13). "One in three Londoners feel 'uncomfortable' with the prospect of a Muslim Mayor". The Independent. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  15. ↑ Boffey, Daniel; Helm, Toby (2016-05-21). "Vote Leave embroiled in race row over Turkey security threat claims". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  16. ↑ Taylor, Matthew (2016-12-05). "Casey report criticised for focus on UK Muslim communities". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  17. ↑ Travis, Alan (2016-12-05). "Louise Casey's integration plan is behind the times". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  18. ↑ Merali 2017, p. 596.
  19. ↑ Merali 2017, p. 597.
  20. ↑ Safdar, Anealla (29 March 2016). "UK: Poor reporting, media illiteracy fuel Islamophobia". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  21. ↑ Sian, Katy P. (6 July 2011). "‘Forced’ conversions in the British Sikh diaspora". South Asian Popular Culture. 9: 115–130. doi:10.1080/14746681003798060.
  22. ↑ Katy P. Sian (4 April 2013). Unsettling Sikh and Muslim Conflict: Mistaken Identities, Forced Conversions, and Postcolonial Formations. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 55–71. ISBN 978-0-7391-7874-4. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  23. ↑ Walker, James (16 June 2017). "BBC acknowledges complaint against booking of ‘Islamophobic’ guest on Today programme". Press Gazette. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  24. ↑ "PRESS RELEASE - UK: De Menezes ruling: the cover-up continues". ihrc.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  25. ↑ Casciani, Dominic (2 June 2004). "Islamophobia pervades UK-report". BBC website. Retrieved 2015-03-16.
  26. ↑ Merali 2017, p. 586.
  27. ↑ ICM-Guardian Poll (26 July 2005). "Poll of Muslims in the UK" (PDF). The Guardian.
  28. ↑ Dodd, Vikram (26 July 2005). "Two-thirds of Muslims consider leaving UK". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  29. ↑ Spiraling Islamophobia Alienating British Muslims: Report Islam Online – Nov 22 2004
  30. ↑ Manzoor, Sarfraz (30 November 2004). "...And why we urgently need new answers". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  31. ↑ Dodd, Vikram (28 January 2010). "Media and politicians 'fuel rise in hate crimes against Muslims'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
  32. ↑ Dr. Jonathan Githens-Mazer & Dr. Robert Lambert. "Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate Crime: a London Case Study" (PDF). University of Exeter. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 16, 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  33. ↑ Jonathan Githens-Mazer & Robert Lambert (28 January 2010). "Muslims in the UK: beyond the hype". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
  34. ↑ "Briefs3-FA investigating claims of racist chanting against Mido". Reuters. 2008-12-01. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  35. ↑ Williams, Simon (2008-12-04). "Mido fury at FA over repeat of racist taunts at Tyne-Tees clash". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  36. ↑ "Two arrested over Mido chanting". BBC Sport. 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  37. ↑ Gander, Kashmira; Rawlinson, Kevin (28 June 2013). "Half of Britain’s mosques have been attacked since 9/11". The Independent. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  38. ↑ Dodd, Vikram; Marsh, Sarah; The Guardian (7 June 2017). "Anti-Muslim hate crimes increase fivefold since London Bridge attacks". Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  39. ↑ Lusher, Adam (3 July 2017). "What is the truth behind claims Muslims are being targeted by right-wing acid attackers in London?". The Independent. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  40. ↑ "Finsbury Park accused Darren Osborne appears at Old Bailey". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  41. ↑ Committee, Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Communities and Local Government; (Na), Not Available (2010-03-30). Preventing violent extremism: sixth report of session 2009–10. ISBN 9780215545466. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  42. 1 2 Allen, Chris (2010). "Fear and Loathing: the Political Discourse in Relation to Muslims and Islam in the British Contemporary Setting" (PDF). Politics and Religion. 4: 221–236. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  43. 1 2 Garland, Jon; Treadwell, James (2010). "'No Surrender to the Taliban': Football Hooliganism, Islamophobia and the Rise of the English Defence League" (PDF). Papers from the British Criminology Conference. 10: 19–35. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  44. ↑ "Telegraph.co.uk". London: Telegraph.co.uk. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  45. ↑ Helen Carter (21 October 2010). "Guardian.co.uk". London: Guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  46. ↑ Preventing violent extremism: sixth report of session 2009–10. Google. 2010-03-30. ISBN 9780215545466. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  47. ↑ "English Defence League says Pastor Terry Jones will not speak at rally". The Daily Telegraph. London. 14 December 2010.
  48. ↑ Helen Carter (21 October 2010). "Inquiry: Police, anti-fascist protester". The Guardian. UK. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  49. ↑ O'Brien, Paraic (12 October 2009). "Under the skin of English Defence League". BBC Newsnight. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
  50. ↑ Maryam Namazie (5 July 2010). "Sharia, Law, religious courts". The Guardian. UK. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  51. ↑ Bracchi, Paul; Stewart, Tim (13 December 2010). "Special Investigation: English Defence League and the hooligans spreading hate on the High Street". Daily Mail. UK. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  52. ↑ "English Defence League's Bradford march banned by Theresa May". Metro. 20 August 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  53. ↑ Ambrogi, Stefano (5 September 2009). "Violence erupts at far-right march in Birmingham". Reuters. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  54. ↑ Gable, Gerry (14 June 2012). "Britain's fascists in a right state". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  55. ↑ Gunning (2010): p 151–152
  56. ↑ Morey, Peter; Yaqin, Amina. (2011). Framing Muslims: Stereotyping and Representation After 9/11. Harvard University Press. p. 215.
  57. ↑ Quinn, Ben (28 May 2013). "Anonymous-linked groups publish EDL supporters' personal information". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  58. ↑ "EDL leader Tommy Robinson quits group". BBC News. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  59. ↑ "Anti fascists to protest Scottish Defence League march today". The Scotsman. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  60. ↑ "Fury as councillor's refugee warnings sparks far-right Scottish Defence League protest plans in Wishaw". The Evening Times. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  61. ↑ "Thug cleared of killing Indian waiter unmasked as race-hate campaigner who attended far-right demonstrations". The Mirror. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  62. ↑ "Swastika tattooed thug who hates Muslim men launched petrol bomb attack on Scottish mosque". The Daily Record. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  63. ↑ John, Tara (6 March 2016). "How British Organisations are Tackling Islamophobia". Time. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  64. ↑ "Trump travel ban: Thousands join protests across UK". BBC News. 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  65. ↑ York, Chris (8 April 2017). "EDL Birmingham Demo Countered By Mosque Tea Party". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  66. ↑ Anker, Shlomo (December 2015). "Pegida & Anti-Muslim groups pose a great danger to the Jewish Community". J-Voice. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  67. ↑ "About Us: Mission Statement". J-Voice. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  68. 1 2 Oppenheim, Maya (5 July 2017). "Tommy Robinson: Former EDL leader holds secret gathering with Manchester Jews". The Independent. Retrieved 18 July 2017.

Sources

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