What's Wrong With Islamophobia?

• In Event: Perceptions of (Im)Possibility: Muslim Students' Reality Within a Context of Islamophobia

Abstract

Objectives. This paper explores the various terms used to describe anti-Muslim sentiment across the US, and the ways in which these terms elicit different kinds of responses and hence educational interventions. In particular, I focus on the term “Islamophobia”.

Perspective. There are a variety of terms used to describe the varied manifestations of fear and hatred for Muslims and hence Islam. While the meanings of these terms are not synonymous, they are often used interchangeably. In fact, many of these terms lack clear definitions and are not well-understood. In particular, there is considerable debate on the usefulness of Islamophobia as a term to explain the rise of hostility towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. Interestingly, this contention comes both from those who recognize anti-Muslim sentiments as real and an issue that needs to be addressed, as well as those who themselves might be described as Islamophobic.

Data Sources. Drawing on a review of literature as well as examples from my own qualitative research with Muslim youth over the last 15 years, I trace the development of the term Islamophobia and its rise in usage since 2000 in order to understand how it is understood and addressed in educational interventions (if at all).

Argument. Some scholars argue that because anti-Muslim sentiments tend to be raced and gendered that a better term might be anti-Muslim racism rather than Islamophobia. I argue that anti-Muslim racism may confine the focus of anti-Muslim hostility and therefore narrow the types of interventions needed to address it. 
Moreover, despite its shortcomings, the term Islamophobia is here to stay and therefore needs to be understood and deployed in a more productive way.

Significance. In order to develop appropriate educational interventions to address anti-Muslim hostility, educational scholars and practitioners need a clear understanding of what Islamophobia is. This is essential not only to develop better school policies and practices, but also in order to build solidarity across social justice movements.

Author

• Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher, University of Pennsylvania