Politics of Islamophobia in Western Society and its Socio-Cultural Implications

Abstract

The term “Islamophobia” refers to actions motivated by hate, hostility and prejudice towards any individual or group identity. It represents a new socio-cultural order in Western society that operates at cognitive, cultural and structural levels. Consequently, it has become common in the Western world to target Muslims based on race and religion. Islamophobia leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance, manifesting as threats, harassment and abuse towards Muslims in both online and offline contexts. Thus, the notion of Islamophobia is associated with discrimination against Muslims and has risen rapidly over the last three decades in Western society, largely through social media and other means. This issue is an intrusive element of contemporary multicultural Western society. In this discourse, Islam is symbolized as a “systemic problem,” which problematizes Muslims as a security threat to the socio-political and cultural continuity of Western society. Nonetheless, the West must remember that discrimination and unfair treatment towards Muslims will create fear among minorities, ultimately harming peace and harmony in society and perpetuating unending bigotry and intolerance.