The Islamophobia Studies Center is an educational not-for-profit research organization dedicated to countering the presence of Islamophobia in society through the use of applied research, civic engagement, education, and global classrooms.
Our aim is to develop a sustained response that both examines the roots of Islamophobia, & provides the empirical data to quantify the problem. Only then can we develop the tools required to educate policymakers on how best to counter Islamophobia.
Forging an academic area of specialization in the Islamophobia field of studies is key to begin to document & challenge the "otherization" of Muslims in civil society. Data and applied research is directly connected to policy formation and the Center is dedicated to making a qualitative difference in the work being done at academic and community levels.
We are proactively changing the narrative, anti-Muslim phenomenon, and the continuing problem of Islamophobia by questioning ongoing socio-political trends, critical discussion, rational argument, and research.
Yes, please email and get in touch with us at hello@iphobiacenter.org. Â We can provide resume credit for high school and college students as internships for operational support for our live events and projects.
Respond to our call for papers for our conferences, where your work can be marked for presentation and subsequent publication. Â Special reports and projects for mass specialized and targeted circulation can also be published on our networks provided the correct qualifications and expertise are met.
Our reports are sent to congressional members for speaking engagements and we provide data points for speakers. Â Our research has also been entered into the congressional record. Outside of legislation our political allies are able to advocate on behalf of the community using academically sound research. This aids in moving away from reactionary to proactive policy making.
The use of the term Islamophobia in both French and English can be traced back to the early 20th century (with earlier versions like Mussulmanophobia and Turcophobia appearing in the late 19th century). Interestingly, the term racism itself emerged in the 1930s, making it a more recent addition compared to Islamophobia.
The key consideration is the purpose a word serves. Islamophobia helps us recognize and address cruelties and injustices directed at expressions of Muslim identity, whether real or perceived, that might otherwise go unnoticed and unchallenged.
No, context is essential. A useful guideline is to substitute the word 'Muslim' in a statement with another minority and assess how it appears and sounds. Context is not solely about private intentions; it's a matter of public and social factors, taking into account what is said or done, who is saying or doing it, and the consequences. The risk of Islamophobia increases when the perpetrator holds a position of authority, influence, and has a history of making inflammatory statements, such as politicians, individuals writing for national media, or those with a substantial social media following. Discussions on comparable forms of racism also indicate that the risk of Islamophobia varies based on whether the perpetrators identify as Muslim and how they treat expressions of Muslim identity.
Merely being critical of Islam or religions doesn't automatically categorize you as an Islamophobe. The label applies if you use language associated with Islamophobia to express your views. There exists a well-established but adaptable set of memes, references, phrases, and practices through which, in a given context, Muslim identity is expressed in an Islamophobic manner.
