When will Muslims stop being fodder in the American political process?
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s now famous “I think Islam hates us” barb is fitting for his role as the loudest Islamophobe in mainstream politics. However, since the 9/11 attacks, Muslim-bashing has become a staple of the American political scene and a sure way to win votes.
In his 2008 presidential campaign, the “M-word” was one the most persistent allegations thrown at Barack Obama by his opponents. Yet it is not just the derogatory use of the word “Muslim” that is insulting—it is the attempt to distance oneself from, and defend against it.
As former US Secretary of State Colin Powell so pointedly asked in an interview: “Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?”
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
Photo Credit: Ken Graff
Support Fair Observer
We rely on your support for our independence, diversity and quality.
For more than 10 years, Fair Observer has been free, fair and independent. No billionaire owns us, no advertisers control us. We are a reader-supported nonprofit. Unlike many other publications, we keep our content free for readers regardless of where they live or whether they can afford to pay. We have no paywalls and no ads.
In the post-truth era of fake news, echo chambers and filter bubbles, we publish a plurality of perspectives from around the world. Anyone can publish with us, but everyone goes through a rigorous editorial process. So, you get fact-checked, well-reasoned content instead of noise.
We publish 2,500+ voices from 90+ countries. We also conduct education and training programs
on subjects ranging from digital media and journalism to writing and critical thinking. This
doesn’t come cheap. Servers, editors, trainers and web developers cost
money.
Please consider supporting us on a regular basis as a recurring donor or a
sustaining member.
Will you support FO’s journalism?
We rely on your support for our independence, diversity and quality.
Youth, Resilience, and Success: How Great Leaders Came From Adversity
Research suggests that facing adversity early in life can lead to characteristics that produce successful leaders, such as compassion, empathy,...
Is There a US–Iran “Non-Agreement”?
After Trump pulled out of Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, no efforts to revive it have been successful. However, the...
Sending Blinken to China Won’t Interrupt the Slide Toward War
The last few US presidents have undone the work of decades with their failure to understand China. Mechanisms of dialogue...
