Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and the Media: When Prejudice Runs Amok

Abstract

A narrow definition of Islamophobia flags religion as playing the central part in anti-Muslim prejudice. But a broader term bundles ethnic, national and cultural prejudices together with religious ones; the latter are gradually becoming disconnected from the cultures in which they were embedded. In measuring degrees and levels of Islamophobia, this article turns to the mass media to understand how they have amplified and at times echoed calls for anti-Muslim prejudice. Islam has become culturalized and racialized by both adherents and antagonists alike, lending a massive landscape for social media in particular to exploit. Qualitative data seem best equipped to assay popular attitudes and behavior towards Muslims. And their relevance is especially significant in shaping female Muslim experiences. To be sure, Islam is placed to take a key part in the making of a post-hegemonic international order. Highlighting tolerance towards others is critical rather than using other attributes to shore up the political legitimacy of a state. To categorize Islamophobes as racists makes for bad politics, but it can enhance legitimacy.