Islamophobia and Values in Western Societies: An Analysis of the Impacts on Muslim Men of Islamophobic Attacks in the UK

Year 2023, Volume: 21 Issue: 46, 425 - 449, 25.12.2023

Durali Karacan

https://doi.org/10.34234/ded.1366107

Abstract

The populations and governments of Western societies are usually proud of the values they claim to be the foundation of their multicultural and pluralistic societies. Over the past few decades, the Western world has witnessed a surge in hate crimes, including racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia. This has sparked discussions about the authenticity of Western societies in upholding universal or Western values. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Islamophobia on universal or Western values. It is crucial to clarify that the research does not seek to make sweeping generalizations about these values. Instead, its focus is a thorough examination of the decline in the beliefs of Muslim men in these values, particularly in response to the growing incidents of Islamophobic attacks. The study delved into two specific Islamophobic assaults to shed light on the concerning extent of Islamophobia, suggesting a potential threat to both universal and Western values as well as social cohesion in the UK. Through individual semi-structured and in-depth interviews, Muslim men residing in the UK were engaged to explain the repercussions of these distressing Islamophobic incidents on their lives, perspectives, and notably, their beliefs in universal or Western values. The findings of the study revealed that acts of Islamophobic violence, particularly those directed at vulnerable and disabled Muslims, have a detrimental impact on the beliefs of Muslim males in the UK regarding universal or Western principles and values. The Muslim men in the study strongly criticised the bystanders in these incidents, expressing their disappointment in the lack of protection for the vulnerable and disabled victims, while emphasizing the link between “bystander apathy” and societal values. Additionally, participants underscored the importance of incorporating Islamic values into the education of their children.

Keywords

Islamophobia, Values, Muslim Men, Vulnerable Victims, Bystander Apathy

Batı Toplumlarında İslamofobi ve Değerler - İngiltere'deki İslamofobik Saldırıların Müslüman Erkekler Üzerindeki Etkilerinin Analizi

Abstract

Batı toplumlarının halkları ve hükümetleri genellikle, çok kültürlü ve çoğulcu yapılarının temeli olduğunu iddia ettikleri değerlerle gurur duymaktadırlar. Batı dünyasında son yıllarda ırkçılık, ayrımcılık ve İslamofobi gibi çeşitli nefret suçlarında artış görülmektedir ve bu durum Batılı toplumların evrensel veya Batılı değerlere gerçekten ne kadar sahip çıktığına dair sorgulamaların ortaya çıkmasına neden olmuştur. Bu çalışmanın temel amacı İslamofobi’nin evrensel ya da Batılı değerlere nasıl zarar verdiğini incelemektir. Ancak bu araştırmanın amacı evrensel ya da Batılı değerler hakkında geniş çıkarımlar yapmak değil; daha ziyade, artan İslamofobik saldırılar nedeniyle Müslüman erkeklerin bu değerlere olan inançlarındaki düşüşü kapsamlı bir şekilde incelemektir. Bu çalışmada, Batılı ülkelerdeki evrensel veya Batılı değerlere ve toplumsal dayanışmaya yönelik gerçek bir tehdit oluşturduğu görülen İslamofobi’nin endişe verici düzeyini göstermek için iki spesifik İslamofobik saldırı incelenmiştir. Bu iki İslamofobik olayın hayatları, düşünceleri ve özellikle evrensel veya Batı değerlerine olan inançları üzerindeki etkisini araştırmak amacıyla Birleşik Krallık'ta ikamet eden Müslüman erkeklerle bireysel yarı yapılandırılmış ve derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın bulguları, özellikle savunmasız ve engelli Müslümanlara yönelik İslamofobik şiddet eylemlerinin, Birleşik Krallıktaki Müslüman erkeklerin evrensel veya Batılı ilke ve değerlere olan inançları üzerinde zararlı bir etkiye sahip olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Müslüman erkekler, olaylara seyirci kalanları, savunmasız ve engelli mağdurları korumadıkları için sert bir şekilde kınayarak “seyirci kalma hissizliği” ile toplumsal değerler arasında bağlantı kurmuşlardır. Son olarak katılımcılar, çocuklarının eğitiminde İslami değerlerin önemini vurgulamışlardır.

Keywords

İslamofobi, Değerler, Müslüman Erkekler, Savunmasız Mağdurlar, Seyirci Kalma Hissizliği

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