Stereotypes: Islamophobia In The United States

A phobia, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation. As a young person, hearing the word “Islamophobia” perplexed me to no end. It was difficult for me to comprehend how some people could have a “phobia” of other people. And like the definition states, I was curious as to how they could explain their hatred or have logic behind their bias. The Center for American Progress defines Islamophobia as an exaggerated fear, hatred, and hostility toward Islam and Muslims that is preserved by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination, and the marginalization and exclusion of Muslims from social, political, and civic life.

Most of the hatred and racial bias towards Islam is a result of misinformation and the lack of education about the religion. Of the Americans who claim they have do not have any personal prejudice toward Muslims, 29% say they have no knowledge at all about Islam. Gallup asked Americans whether they think Muslim Americans are loyal or not loyal to the U.S. The flames of Islamophobia are exacerbated by these perceptions of disloyalty. Seeing Muslims as traitorous, voicing their prejudice against Islam and Muslims, and avoiding Muslims as neighbors are all symptoms of Islamophobia that exist in the West. I am aware that these feelings do not represent all the citizens in these Western countries. Just as the actions of radical Islamists should not represent the 1.57 billion muslims in the world. However, the substantial data supporting the degree of Islamophobia is enough to draw both attention and concern. The very existence of Islamophobia is something to be addressed and a solution should be discussed. There are many ways Western societies can show respect to Muslim societies and there are ways to educate people about Islam to reduce the degree of Islamophobia in the