What is Islamophobia?

Islamophobia is when people are afraid of or very much dislike Muslims just because of their religion and how they practice it. This fear and hatred toward Muslims can lead to people being treated unfairly in public places and bullied in school or at their work spaces or  could cause people to even get hurt. Islam is one of the world’s biggest religions there’s over 1.9 billion people who practice and believe in it, and it teaches peace, kindness to anybody no matter their background or religion, and helping others in need. Sadly, not everyone understands that and choses to assume instead of understanding what it actually is.

Many people assume and believe in false things about Muslims and Islam in general. Some people think that all Muslims are violent or dangerous because of the stories that some people tell about them, especially the story about what happened on 9/11/2001, and that isn’t true about Muslims. Just like in every group of religion or race in this world, there are both good and bad people. Most Muslims just want to live peacefully and following in their religion and go to school or work, and take care of their families like any normal or average person.

Social standards/Social media

Social media often shows Muslims in a bad way like how they dress or act and their culture even though any culture can be Muslim most Muslims are Arab and from the middle east. When a crime happens and if the person is Muslim, the news mostly talks about them being Muslim. But if someone from another religion does something bad, their religion isn’t mentioned, for example Christianity or being Jewish and even catholic which are three of the most popular religions in the world. This makes people think that Islam is the problem, even though it’s not.

After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Islamophobia became worse around the world. Many people blamed all Muslims for what a few people did just because that person might have followed that religion. Muslims in the U.S. and around the world faced a lot of hate and bullying including violence towards them. Some were even afraid to go outside or wear their religious clothing like hijabs. Including a famous artist by the name of SZA whose real name is Solána Rowe, stopped wearing her hijab after the September 11 attacks and her fearing Islamophobia and bullying. She wore it during her elementary and early middle school years, but stopped in her middle school years due to the rise of Islamophobia in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Getting bullied For Following in the religion Islam

Muslim kids often get bullied in school for what they wear or for people knowing that they follow and what they practice in. They might be called mean names or told they’re terrorists, which is very hurtful and wrong towards Muslims who have absolutely nothing to do with that . This can make them feel like they don’t belong in school or in public places. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at school and everywhere else.

Adults face problems too. Some Muslims are treated unfairly at work or when trying to just do their job. They might get strange looks at airports or be stopped more often for security checks just because of how they look or dress just because of what they’re wearing. This is not fair and goes against people’s human rights.

My experience with islamophobia

I’ve experienced islamophobia for over two years ever since I first put my hijab on. In sixth grade I hadn’t put on my hijab yet because i was still pretty young and every in my class pretty much treated me normally like any average person but over the summer in sixth grade i decided  to put it on so it meant that i would have it on for the remember of 7th and eighth grade so when i showed  up on the first day of school of seventh grade everyone was staring at me especially the bots in my class. My sixth grade Spanish teacher kept commentary on how I was wearing a scarf now and that you shouldn’t have to wear it at such a young age and kept asking me how long it has gotten because in sixth grade my hair goes down to my hip so it was very uncomfortable. 

When the date 9/11 comes around at school my school likes to makes sure everyone is aware and pay some respects towards the people who have died, but everyone seems to turn and look at me when it’s brought up especially when they talk about the person who was in control of them and the attacks which was Osama bin laden who was Muslim and Arab, and throughout that day they we a lot of comments towards me about being a bomber and terrorist.

Islamophobia happens in many places and  not just in the U.S.  It also happens In Europe and other parts of the world, Muslims have been attacked, their mosques have been damaged, and their rights taken away. Some leaders even use fear of Muslims to get votes. Which was president trump.

Ways To stop Islamophobia

There are ways to stop Islamophobia. One way is by learning the truth about Islam and Muslims. Reading books, watching videos, or talking to Muslim people can help you have a better understanding of it and how Muslims are not scary or bad. Understanding can lead to kindness and a better comfortable environment  for Muslims.

Schools can also help by teaching students about different religions and cultures. When we learn about each other, we realize we’re more alike than different. Teachers should also stop the bullying towards Muslim students and making sure everyone feels safe

Another way to stop Islamophobia is by speaking up. If someone hears a mean comment or sees someone being treated unfairly, they should say something. It’s important to stand up for each other and make sure hate has no place in this world and in other public places.

In conclusion, Islamophobia is a serious problem that hurts many innocent people. It’s based on fear and lies, not facts. We can all help stop it by learning more, being kind, and standing up for what’s right. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, no matter their religion or race.