Western Perceptions of Muslims

• Many Muslims complain of bias and misrepresentation of Islam in the media
• Islamophobia


  Term defined by the Runnymede Trust report to look at the issue of bias and misrepresentation of Islam in the media
• There is debate about how helpful the term Islamophobia is
• Some analyses of media sources (television, radio, newspapers, and social media online) suggests a degree of bias in Britain today, but also some ways in which legitimate criticisms are raised as well as positive documentaries
• Following various terrorist related incidents, some Muslims complain that the media focus on these more than positive aspects of Islam
• The Runnymede trust report highlighted research which showed some Muslims were being treated differently and less favourably because of aspects of their faith such as prayer and dress
• Some in the media said it was important not to restrict freedom to criticise aspects of Islam
• It was unfair prejudice against Muslim individuals which should be challenged
• The issue of how Muslims become radicalised has led to fears about Islam in general
• The Runnymede trust report suggests that aspects of Islam such as wearing a veil or praying, should not cause any difficulty and these should become a normal part of living in a mixed society
• Research, such as Pervez Sadia's research from the USA, suggests most media articles are negative
• There are some positive documentaries such as about the art and culture of Islam, and positive news stories such as about Muslim charities
• Some Muslims have achieved influential positions such as Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London, MPs and counsellors
• This success may show that Muslims are better represented than is sometimes thought
• Online media is an area of research
• Muslims themselves may misrepresent Islam with unauthorised opinions (fatwas) and it is a challenge to ensure that the young are not led astray or into extremism
• Some Muslim scholars, such as Ziauddin Sardar, have written both of western bias but also of the need for Muslims to become more integrated and tolerant of modern influences