Publisher's Synopsis
Many Americans believe that Islam is synonymous with violence and aggression and the oppression and subjugation of women, which are contrary to western norms and values. Thus, a clash of civilizations appears to be increasingly polarized and the current surge in anti-Muslim sentiments and their religion, Islam, has been widely manifested in political and social discourse. These are all signs of Islamophobia based on the belief in stereotypes that marginalize people who are Muslim. This book explores these anxieties through facts and evidences, with media playing an important role with an immediate and important impact. After providing a background of Islamic teachings and Muslims contact with America, this book reveals how hate crimes and bigotry committed by individuals and well-funded hate groups, including media coverage of theses events, reveal Americans' demeaning and demonizing of Muslims and Islam-a phenomenon widespread among Americans and also common among both liberals and conservatives. The book offers both fascinating insights into a complex set of phenomenon, which has been described alternatively as racist, violent, anti-immigration and Islamophobic.
