Matthew Jenkins' BlogA blog about Worcester, politics and the environment

Following Pastor Terry Jones’ threat to burn copies of the Koran, together with the ongoing debate over the location of a Muslim centre near ground zero in New York, it seems clear from the reaction of many that there is an increase in open hostility towards Islam and its’ followers. Even here in Worcester there  is a vocal minority who blame Muslims and Islam for many of the world’s ills and there is strong support for banning the burka. What are the factors that have caused this increase in Islamophobia?

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 and 7/7 have caused people to draw a link between Islam and terrorism.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where Western soldiers have lost their lives (though far less than the local civilians), have added to the resentment towards Muslims.

There is a wider backlash against immigration and multiculturalism, of which Muslims form a part.

The solution to this problem must be to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together. As the antagonism gradually increases, the less likelihood there is that either side will talk to the other. The less you know about another culture, the less you understand it and consequently this ignorance leads to prejudice. Saying that immigrants should integrate is not enough. Both sides, immigrant and non-immigrant, need to make an effort to get to know each other better. How many people actually do this?