Nicole Reardon
In Australia, we hold charity and awareness days for many chronic illnesses and diseases. But where is the public awareness day or the charity run barbeque for those suffering from Islamophobia?
Unpack the issues...
‘Islamophobia’ sounds like a psychological disease and, with a drastic increase in the reported number of cases since 9/11, it appears many are sufferers.
But what does the term actually mean? Many writers and journalists refer to Islamophobia without defining it; and a quick internet search reveals a wide range of definitions. The most common meaning appears to be that of 'prejudice against Muslims and Islam'.
It does not infer the obsessive fear or dread associated with most psychological phobias.
Yet the ambiguous nature of this term has not stopped the media labeling Australian communities as Islamophobic. Last year, the Sydney suburb of Camden was branded Islamophobic, with one of the most damning reports coming from journalist Isabelle Stafford in The Age.
Rev Glenda Blakefield, Associate General Secretary of the Uniting Church in Australia, has had a long involvement with interfaith dialogue and says this label is in no way helpful to introducing peace and mutual understanding in any community.
“It is a catchy phrase that doesn’t help anyone as we try and work through the practical issues involved with living in multi-faith communities,” says Glenda.
“Yes, I think there is prejudice in Australia towards people of Islamic heritage, which is the result of not understanding the religious beliefs of Islam.”
Ikebal Patel, president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils agrees with Glenda. “I think that there is this general ignorance of what or who a Muslim is; what their belief system is and what they really embrace as people," he says.
Both agree that Muslim women may be targeted more than men for their religious belief, mainly due to their appearance.
“The hijab is very obvious,” says Ikebal. “There are cases where Muslim women have people spitting on them because they’re wearing a hijab.”
However, as Glenda explains, by describing people’s prejudice and misunderstanding as Islamophobia, the media is promoting stereotypes that aggravate communities and make them less likely to want to communicate with people of Islam.
Both Ikebal and Glenda agree that all forms of government in Australia have a role to play in countering this term by promoting the understanding of Islam.
“Governments are there to set agendas," says Ikebal. “Certainly the [Federal] Government has a strong responsibility — not just a legal but a moral responsibility — to ensure that all people in Australia are not only living with safety and security, but they’re made to feel that they’re part of this community.”
Glenda also recommends talking to local government. “Go and talk to members of the local council — ask them what they are doing, as is their civic duty, to create a place of safety and peace. Ask them how they plan to educate people in their community.”
Glenda and Ikebal also emphasised that it is important for all religious communities to promote opportunities for mutual understanding.
“It’s time for the Muslims around the world to come out and say, ‘we are human beings, just as Joe down the road is'," says Ikebal. “We’re no different, we have the same desires, the same colour blood and we have the same hurt in our heart if we are being marginalised."
“We have to demonstrate that we’re part of the great Australia and we want to engage on a positive level.”
Glenda says Christians have an important role to play in the Australian community as mediators. “There are members of our communities who are too anxious to approach Muslims — or anyone from a different faith for that matter. Christians belonging to that local community could play a role in beginning those conversations.”
Glenda also says that Christians shoudn't fear that conversation and relationships will compromise their own religious beliefs. “A part of interfaith dialogue is being very true to the tradition of the precious beliefs you hold."
“I would not expect a Muslim to compromise their faith and how they see the Qu'ran and they wouldn’t expect me to compromise my faith either. They are passionate and true to their own beliefs as we are. But there are things that we can share.”
Unpack the issues
- Do you think that 'Islamophobia' exists?
- Do you think that Australians suffer from Islamophobia?
- What can be done to counter fear of Islam?
Read more
Sydney Morning Herald stories:
Take action
If you wish to know more about ‘Islamophobia’ and the work that is being conducted to ensure social inclusion in Australia, the Affinity Intercultural Foundation is hosting a conference, from 19-21 July, "Challenging Islamophobia : towards social justice & inclusion".
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