Islamophobia - racialization of Islam
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In previous centuries, religion often defined individuals’ identities and served as a basis for rejection and oppression. However, in today’s more secular world, religion plays a less central role in shaping identity. Instead, Islam has been racialized by the white majority, where cultural practices and appearance associated with Muslims, in the white gaze, are used to categorize and discriminate against individuals. This racialization of Islam affects people from various nationalities, cultures, and even religious affiliations, as noted by Rana. The term "Islamophobia" allows to identify and name the common experience of racism faced by those perceived as Muslim, regardless of their actual beliefs.
Rana connects the history of Islamophobia to the broader experience of racism faced by groups such as Jewish people and Native Americans. He argues that Islamophobia is not a new or isolated form of racism but is deeply rooted in a long history of domination, exploitation, and fear of the “other.” The racialization of Islam on a global scale has allowed dominant powers to exercise control over certain groups while exploiting them (Husain, 4).
An example of this racialized Islamophobic thinking is the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting. Although the victims were Sikhs, the white supremacist attacker perceived them as Muslims, demonstrating how Islamophobia extends beyond religious identity to a broader cultural and racial stereotype. Instead of distancing herself from Muslims, Arora, responded to the attack by showing solidarity with Muslims, recognizing that both groups face similar experiences of racism, despite different cultural backgrounds.
I think the same idea is conveyed in the “Soup boys” song with the mention of stones being thrown at both the Mosque and the Temple with no distinction. The introduction of Obama not addressing the arbitrary use of drones against those viewed as the enemies of the nation also illustrates Islamophobia. The images in the background display different cultures and images of drones and “War on Terror” attacks. It demonstrates a shared struggle of different cultural minorities in the United States against racial oppression - Islamophobia.