LONDON (Oct. 16) -- Since the end of World War II Germany has prided itself on being a beacon of tolerance, removed from the petty hatreds that once tore Europe apart. But according to a national survey released this week, a new form of ugly xenophobia -- this time focused on Muslims, who make up around 5.5 percent of the population -- is gaining mass acceptance. More than 55 percent of those polled by researchers from the University of Leipzig declared that Arabs weren't pleasant people -- up from 44 percent in 2003 -- and 58 percent said the practice of Islam should be "considerably restricted."
Islamophobia isn't only on the rise in Germany. A powerful and populist strain of anti-Muslim sentiment is now taking hold across Europe -- boosting support for far-right groups, and putting mainstream politicians on the defensive.
Of course, parties with an anti-race bent aren't anything new in Europe. The anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant National Front has been a force in France for decades, and in 2000, Austria's Nazi-sympathizing Freedom Party temporarily became part of the coalition government. What is new is that the anti-outsider groups now attracting high-levels of support don't define their foes by skin color or geographic origin, but by religion. Fred Dufour, AFP / Getty Images
Islamophobia is on the rise across Europe and far right wing groups are gaining more support for their anti-Muslim views.
The Sweden Democrats party -- which started out as a neo-Nazi movement -- last month entered parliament for the first time, winning 5.7 percent of the vote on the back of campaign ads that featured burqa-clad Muslim women knocking aside white Swedish pensioners and grabbing their state benefits. In the Netherlands, the anti-Islam Freedom Party of Geert Wilders -- who believes the "fascist" Koran should be banned, along with immigration from Muslim countries -- gained a record 24 seats in the June elections. And in Britain, thousands of hooligans from the English Defence League -- which claims to be against extremist Islam, and boasts that its membership includes Jews and Sikhs -- regularly stages marches in largely Muslim urban areas, shouting anti-Islamic slogans and intimidating local residents.
This stricter focus on Islam has helped these groups win over voters who don't consider themselves racist, but -- in the wake of 9/11 and the bomb attacks in London and Madrid -- are concerned about the perceived threat of radical Islam. "It's no longer politically acceptable to be openly racist," Jonathan Githens-Mazer, co-director of the European Muslim Research Centre at England's Exeter University, told AOL News. "But in secular Europe, it is politically acceptable to be anti-Muslim. For many far-right movements, this is a very convenient schtick that ensures they're no longer accused of being fascists, and allows them to turn their intolerant views into a more electorally palatable form."
By targeting Islam, these groups are also able to tap into wider worries over the slow demise of old national identities in the face of increasing multiculturalism and globalization. "Immigration from outside Europe, as well as internal migration from East to West, is changing societies right across the continent," says Chris Allen, a research fellow at England's University of Birmingham and author of the upcoming book "Islamophobia." "That means it's increasingly difficult for British people, for example, to define themselves around skin color because we're such a diverse society. These changes challenge us all to find out who we are and what our national identities are really about." Watch more free documentaries
H.A. Hellyer -- fellow at the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations at Britain's University of Warwick and author of "Muslims of Europe: The Other Europeans" -- notes that this identity crisis is reflected in the way that the debate over Islam in Europe has transformed over the past four years from being predominately about concerns of security, to worries over whether Western civilization itself is under threat. "People are now not so afraid that our civilization will be destroyed from outside by al-Qaida, but from inside by Muslim communities," he says.
That fear took hold in Switzerland last November, where 57.5 percent of people backed a proposal by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) to ban the building of minarets on mosques. At the time, Switzerland -- home to a tiny, law-abiding Muslim minority -- only had four mosques with minarets, but voters appeared to support the SVP's claims that the towers would soon be springing up across the country, marking the beginning of a takeover by Sharia-supporting extremists.
Hellyer says these misconceptions over Europe's Muslims have spread because of failures in many quarters -- including the media. But he singles out mainstream politicians, who he says, "haven't been brave enough to come up with imaginative and inspirational solutions" to the legitimate concerns many Europeans hold over their rapidly changing societies.
Sadly, European politicians have not only failed to enter into a much-needed debate on national identity, but have attempted to claw back votes by pandering to the same fears whipped up by far-right groups. In Germany this week, Bavarian premier Horst Seehofer -- whose conservative Christian Social Union party is currently faring poorly in the polls -- announced that Turks and Arabs should no longer be allowed to move to the country as they struggled to integrate into German society. And France's President Nicolas Sarkozy has recently attempted to stem the rising popularity of the National Front by banning the burqa -- the full head and body covering garment worn by some Muslim women -- even though fewer than 1 percent of France's five million Muslims wear the dress.
The key danger is that by mimicking the rhetoric of the far right, and portraying Muslims as people who cannot integrate into mainstream society, politicians are in fact creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. "By turning Muslims into this dangerous 'other,' they are segregating them and reinforcing the idea of an exclusive Muslim community," says Riem Spielhaus, a research fellow at the University of Copenhagen's Center for European Islamic Thought. "And so now even Muslims who drink alcohol or eat pork are identifying themselves more as Muslims, and feeling greater solidarity with other members of the community, because of how people and politicians describe them."
Such a development, Spielhaus adds, can only prevent "future integration and communal harmony."
I love how the fellow comments that drinking alcohol and eating pork to describe integrated Muslims (now feeling a solidarity with observant Muslims) there must be alot of air in the space between their two ears!
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Interesting article, seems europe is taking a xenophobic turn (again), with Muslims being the primary target for 'intergration'
What are they going to do? Loyalty tests? Tebbits 'cricket' test? Thats what worries me. Hope the UK has the sense not to go down this road.
I personally think it has more to do with the economic problems that europe is facing, so you need a scapegoat, muslims are an easy target. Having said that I do think they have concerns and should be addressed if its reasonable.
soon every country will have a problem with muslims, as we become greater in number and more and more practising
nothin they can do about it
He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. [Quran {33:43}] www.QuranicAudio.com www.Quran.com
soon every country will have a problem with muslims, as we become greater in number and more and more practising
nothin they can do about it
They could try to exterminate the Muslims. Or start to exile them.
Do you think the pious don't sin?
They merely:
Veiled themselves and didn't flaunt it
Sought forgiveness and didn't persist
Took ownership of it and don't justify it
And acted with excellence after they had erred - Ibn al-Qayyim
aren't they already working on that all throughout Islamic regions?.. they'll in fact come after us under every flag, but insha'Allah we'll be triumphant...
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Its probably a little too early for an "us against them" mentality. That won't help the situation.
I don't know for certain, but it seems that fearing a religion or a group of people because of their religion is impractical and silly.
This is just my perception of things, but I think the vast majority of people who are labeled as Islamophobic are more concerned about potential changes in government. European governments are secular, and I doubt that the people would be pleased with living under Sharia law, and I think that's what the people are most concerned about. They feel that an influx of practicing Muslims will lead to a change in government that they would not be in favor of.
While I'm sure there are some out there, I don't think the majority of people would have a problem with Muslims practicing Islam privately and doing their thing like the other religious people who live there.
That is correct.. and your perception does little to ward legislative laws meant to make Muslim lives miserable.. isn't it best to simply declare war on Islam than all these pretenses?
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
That is correct.. and your perception does little to ward legislative laws meant to make Muslim lives miserable.. isn't it best to simply declare war on Islam than all these pretenses?
If you're referring to the "burqa law" in France, I agree that it was over the top. However, that does not represent a "war on Islam". Its a misguided law that is probably short-lived, and while governments might be into the whole Islam-hating rhetoric, the citizenry isn't concerned about people coming in to live in peace and pray. They just don't want the rules of law to turn away from a secular standard.
format_quote Originally Posted by almahdali
You have bad thinking to others than you'll paranoid all of your life, it's plain simple
If you're referring to the "burqa law" in France, I agree that it was over the top. However, that does not represent a "war on Islam". Its a misguided law that is probably short-lived, and while governments might be into the whole Islam-hating rhetoric, the citizenry isn't concerned about people coming in to live in peace and pray. They just don't want the rules of law to turn away from a secular standard.
Its not just that
You have the minerat ban is Switzerland
You have burkha ban in France (as you said)
You have Merkel in Germany saying that multi culturalism has failed focusing specifically on Muslim turks in Germany
You have the issue of Turkey and the EU
You have EDL anti Islam demos in the UK
These are the only ones I can remember
If we go out of europe to the US the ground zero and the community center contreversy
Theres no denying that some people hate Islam and will do anything to create a "war" against it.
Last edited by Zafran; 10-18-2010 at 03:24 PM.
Do you think the pious don't sin?
They merely:
Veiled themselves and didn't flaunt it
Sought forgiveness and didn't persist
Took ownership of it and don't justify it
And acted with excellence after they had erred - Ibn al-Qayyim
You have the minerat ban is Switzerland
You have burkha ban in France (as you said)
You have Merkel in Germany saying that multi culturalism has failed focusing specifically on Muslim turks in Germany
You have the issue of Turkey and the EU
You have EDL anti Islam demos in the UK
These are the only ones I can remember
If we go out of europe to the US the ground zero and the community center contreversy
Theres no denying that some people hate Islam and will do anything to create a "war" against it.
I agree that there are some people who simply hate Islam. I said as much, but many of the things you listed deal with a very vocal minority (which is usually what happens, unfortunately). Merkel in Germany is someone who has been pushing for a more christian Germany since she's been in the public eye. And her anti-Islamic comments have been met with much criticism from the citizenry. Anti-Islam demonstrations in the UK are a vocal minority. There has been a large population of Muslims living in England for a long time, with little issue. And regarding the Turkey and EU thing, its complicated. I think it has to do more with social and economic arrangements than religion. Before joining the EU, there are certain standards that countries have to meet. I don't know the specifics of the situation, but I do know that the EU is waiting on another economic report, and could potentially allow Turkey into the EU by 2013.
The US is separate from this issue. Some Americans have issues with Muslims. Some are justified, some are not. But this is about Europe. (And the US is more "religious" than Europe).
If you're referring to the "burqa law" in France, I agree that it was over the top. However, that does not represent a "war on Islam". Its a misguided law that is probably short-lived, and while governments might be into the whole Islam-hating rhetoric, the citizenry isn't concerned about people coming in to live in peace and pray. They just don't want the rules of law to turn away from a secular standard.
Secularism is a philosophical school all its own that is at odds with religion in fact by its very definition. This isn't some 'misguided law'-- It is for the long haul and liable to get worse.. It is indeed a war on Islam and I'd prefer if it were labeled as such, so that the rest of the dormant Muslims would wake from their long hibernation!
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Secularism is a philosophical school all its own that is at odds with religion in fact by its very definition. This isn't some 'misguided law'-- It is for the long haul and liable to get worse.. It is indeed a war on Islam and I'd prefer if it were labeled as such, so that the rest of the dormant Muslims would wake from their long hibernation!
all the best
I have to disagree with you here slightly. A secular lifestyle may be at odds with a religious lifestyle, but a secular government is not at odds with religion. Secular governments allow for the practicing of any and all religion. Things like the burqa law in France have tarnished that, to a degree. But religion is still free to flourish in the private sector. However, religion can not, or should not, interfere with the executive or legislative duties of a country.
I have to disagree with you here slightly. A secular lifestyle may be at odds with a religious lifestyle, but a secular government is not at odds with religion. Secular governments allow for the practicing of any and all religion. Things like the burqa law in France have tarnished that, to a degree. But religion is still free to flourish in the private sector. However, religion can not, or should not, interfere with the executive or legislative duties of a country.
secularism= A doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations
wordweb.com definition.
so again, your opinion/your feelings, your inclinations, your hopes, your views, your neighborhood, your spouse, your poker buddies from Thursday night have little to contribute on the matter..
I agree the right religion will flourish .. if it is a schools of thought are at war, then surely truth has come and falsehood shall perish (it always does) for falsehood by its very nature is perishable!
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
secularism= A doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations
wordweb.com definition.
so again, your opinion/your feelings, your inclinations, your hopes, your views, your neighborhood, your spouse, your poker buddies from Thursday night have little to contribute on the matter..
I agree the right religion will flourish .. if it is a schools of thought are at war, then surely truth has come and falsehood shall perish (it always does) for falsehood by its very nature is perishable!
all the best
And speaking of contributing little..... see above.
Your rudeness knows no bounds. I'm sure that wherever you got your religious education, that was a class you did not miss.
And congratulations on looking up a word in the dictionary. However it doesn't prove anything. Look at practical application of those forms of government on society. Again, a secular government is not the same as "secularism". A secular government is neutral in the matter of religion; it is not "anti-religion". Secular government does not proclaim a state religion, nor do they prevent the practice of religion.
Actually plenty examples of secular governments at odd with the religious. Soviet Union being the obvious example, Turkey, Tunisia and Iran secularism was used as a weapon to undermine Islam and it culture.
In France which is pretty 'hardcore' in the secular front has pretty much marginalised Christianity out of public life. In the UK its better but there are problems. Only time Ive ever agreed with Tony Blair is when he said he had to keep his faith under wraps lest he offends the secularists. The Pope himself warned of the dangers of an 'aggressive secularism' (You only have to look at atheist campaign sites, how they want to ban this religious expression, clothing, or to use the education system to secularise pupils, students).
Christianity is on the way out in europe and no doubt secularism played its role.
However in the USA secularism seems to mean something different, more like neutrality.
As a muslim our beliefs will always play a role in our lives wherever we go to varying degrees, afterall whats the point of being a Muslim in name only
So no I dont entirely buy this idea that secularism is 'benign' to the religious believer. We have different way of doing things.
Public life, such as in public schools, courthouses, sporting events, all sorts of crap like that are not supposed to be subjected to religious bombardment.
Religion is practiced privately by individuals (or private groups) of faith who get together and do their thing. It isn't meant to be shared with the public, which constitutes a wide variety of people, ranging from people of the same faith to people wildly different faiths, to having no faith at all.
And as a response to Russia.... Dictatorships don't work so well either. When you take away people's rights to choose, obviously their religious freedom will be removed. Secular democracy then. This thread was initially about Europe anyway, and those nations are secular democracies, of different types.
And speaking of contributing little..... see above.
Your rudeness knows no bounds. I'm sure that wherever you got your religious education, that was a class you did not miss.
And congratulations on looking up a word in the dictionary. However it doesn't prove anything. Look at practical application of those forms of government on society. Again, a secular government is not the same as "secularism". A secular government is neutral in the matter of religion; it is not "anti-religion". Secular government does not proclaim a state religion, nor do they prevent the practice of religion.
I find that when you are unable to support your statements with facts or definitions that you expect some gracious accommodation because well you deserve it?
Let's not try to derail the thread, if you are unable to handle the topic or don't understand content even when offered a direct explanation from a tertiary source then simply sit this one out and let another who is better versed and better savvied to the topic answer on your behalf and will you can come like ''me too' for support of his/her statement!
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Here's an idea! If they don't like us then why do they keep allowing so many of us in! They could certainly divert new immigration from Latin America or southern Africa if they really feel Islam is the problem. But they will see that any minority group will be a "problem" and it does not have to deal with religion as much as it does culture and intolerance.
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