Article number six
The Growing Epidemic of "Islamophobia" in America: Social Change Through Appreciative Inquiry
Summary of the article. This article is about how the treatment of Muslims changed after September 11. It was thought, by many Americans, that all Muslims were radicals and terrorists out to get us. Muslims are now discriminated against because we think they are violent. They are denied access to employment. The stereotypes that have developed makes Muslims tend to stay to themselves and this then leads them to becoming more suspect. There are now interfaith sessions where Muslims are trying to meet with non-Muslims to address these stereotypes that have formed and to build relationships to promote peace.
How does the story relate to oppression/discrimination? Muslim Americans are stereotyped that they are all extremists. After September 11 many of their places of worship were burned and destroyed. Every Muslim was a terror suspect. They endured verbal and physical assaults.
Who is oppressed? Muslim Americas are the ones being oppressed by non-Muslims.
Who is oppressing? The non-Muslims are oppressing Muslims. This is mainly due to the ignorance of non-Muslims. They believe that all Muslims are hiding a bomb and going to do harm.
How are they oppressed? What type of oppression/discrimination is involved? They are oppressed in every way. They are judged to be extremist based on their religion and skin color. These people are viewed in the media as extremist. We only see the bad that a small minority are plotting and we stereotype every Muslim.
Explore the significance in our society? What are the implications for this oppression? What does this say about the values of our society? Our society does not take the time to get to know those that are different because of religion or ethnicity or skin color. If our society took the time to actually understand and get to know Muslims they would understand that extremist do not represent them. Again our society shows how easily we are misled by social media.
What was my personal reaction? Explore thoroughly. What aspects of my own socialization have led me to this reaction? My personal reaction was that I have probably been guilty of judging this group. I have been ignorant about what they believe. I do not agree with what they believe, but Islam is a peaceful religion. I am assaulted by their portrayal in the media and it has affected me. My goal will be to find out if there are any of the interfaith groups that meet in my community.
What did I learn? I learned that the majority of the Muslims in America are actually African American Muslims. We tend to think of Muslims as having turbans on their heads and wearing long robes and long beards. This is not the case. That just proves how the media gets us to think and stereotype people. It is important that we learn about others and do not show our ignorance by placing all Muslims into the same radical group.
Source:
Rahim, E. (2010). The growing epidemic of "Islamophobia" in America: Social change through appreciative Inquiry. International Journal Of Diversity In Organizations, Communities & Nations, 10(1), 239-246
The Growing Epidemic of "Islamophobia" in America: Social Change Through Appreciative Inquiry
Summary of the article. This article is about how the treatment of Muslims changed after September 11. It was thought, by many Americans, that all Muslims were radicals and terrorists out to get us. Muslims are now discriminated against because we think they are violent. They are denied access to employment. The stereotypes that have developed makes Muslims tend to stay to themselves and this then leads them to becoming more suspect. There are now interfaith sessions where Muslims are trying to meet with non-Muslims to address these stereotypes that have formed and to build relationships to promote peace.
How does the story relate to oppression/discrimination? Muslim Americans are stereotyped that they are all extremists. After September 11 many of their places of worship were burned and destroyed. Every Muslim was a terror suspect. They endured verbal and physical assaults.
Who is oppressed? Muslim Americas are the ones being oppressed by non-Muslims.
Who is oppressing? The non-Muslims are oppressing Muslims. This is mainly due to the ignorance of non-Muslims. They believe that all Muslims are hiding a bomb and going to do harm.
How are they oppressed? What type of oppression/discrimination is involved? They are oppressed in every way. They are judged to be extremist based on their religion and skin color. These people are viewed in the media as extremist. We only see the bad that a small minority are plotting and we stereotype every Muslim.
Explore the significance in our society? What are the implications for this oppression? What does this say about the values of our society? Our society does not take the time to get to know those that are different because of religion or ethnicity or skin color. If our society took the time to actually understand and get to know Muslims they would understand that extremist do not represent them. Again our society shows how easily we are misled by social media.
What was my personal reaction? Explore thoroughly. What aspects of my own socialization have led me to this reaction? My personal reaction was that I have probably been guilty of judging this group. I have been ignorant about what they believe. I do not agree with what they believe, but Islam is a peaceful religion. I am assaulted by their portrayal in the media and it has affected me. My goal will be to find out if there are any of the interfaith groups that meet in my community.
What did I learn? I learned that the majority of the Muslims in America are actually African American Muslims. We tend to think of Muslims as having turbans on their heads and wearing long robes and long beards. This is not the case. That just proves how the media gets us to think and stereotype people. It is important that we learn about others and do not show our ignorance by placing all Muslims into the same radical group.
Source:
Rahim, E. (2010). The growing epidemic of "Islamophobia" in America: Social change through appreciative Inquiry. International Journal Of Diversity In Organizations, Communities & Nations, 10(1), 239-246