What is anti-Muslim racism?

anti-Muslim racism refers to the prejudices and stereotypes that exist against Muslims and people perceived as Muslim. These prejudices can lead to these groups being seen as backward, threatening, or different. This negative perspective can be conscious or unconscious and can lead to various forms of exclusion and discrimination. This discrimination can occur at various levels, whether in language, individual behavior, institutional structures, or in the form of violence.

An exemplary example of anti-Muslim racism could be the discrimination against Muslims in job seeking. For instance, Muslim applicants might be disadvantaged due to their name or appearance, even if they have the required qualifications and skills for the position. This can be based on prejudices and stereotypes that suggest Muslims are less competent or trustworthy. Such prejudices can lead to Muslim applicants being systematically disadvantaged and struggling to find appropriate employment.

Another example of anti-Muslim racism could be the stigmatization of Muslims in the media. Muslims are often portrayed negatively in the media, which can lead to prejudices and hostility toward the Muslim community. For example, reports on terrorist attacks might contribute to Muslims being perceived as dangerous or extremist overall, even though the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and law-abiding. This type of reporting can contribute to an atmosphere of fear and rejection toward Muslims and hinder their integration into society.

anti-Muslim racism targets Muslims and people who look like Muslims, regardless of whether they are actually Muslim or not. This affects many different groups who are perceived as Muslim based on their appearance, name, or origin. This means that if someone mentions that they speak Arabic or has an Arabic name, it is often mistakenly assumed that this person is automatically 'Muslim.' This is experienced not only by people from Arabic-speaking regions but also by people with Turkish, Kurdish family backgrounds, and individuals referred to as 'migrants.' As a result, different characteristics are mixed and equated with the term 'Muslim.' Muslims are perceived as a large, homogeneous group, which leads to prejudices, discrimination, and ultimately anti-Muslim racism.

Therefore, when talking about those affected by anti-Muslim racism, it is always emphasized that we are talking about Muslims and people who are perceived or read as Muslim even though they are not religious or Muslims.