Islamophobia: examining causal links between the media and “race hate” from “below”

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's aim is to examine whether there is a causal link between “race” hate, particularly Islamophobia (defined as anti‐Muslim feeling and violence based on “race” and/or religion), and media treatment of Muslim communities in Britain in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the reporting of terror activities and examines the way the media (tabloid press) constructs racists news.

Findings

The article discusses some of the themes developed in a previous paper that looked at government policy towards Muslim communities by examining the media campaign directed against Muslims within this broader political context. The implications for the cultivation of “race” hate are considered.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates that “race” hate and routine attacks on Muslim communities appear to be increasing and needs to be addressed by developing strategies that are inclusive of all disadvantaged communities, racism, “war on terror”, working class.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the literature on “race” hate by examining these theories in the light of recent and ongoing terror attacks and their impact on Muslim communities in Britain.

Citation

Frost, D. (2008), "Islamophobia: examining causal links between the media and “race hate” from “below”", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 28 No. 11/12, pp. 564-578. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330810915251