Muslim Perceptions in Europe

Ziauddhin Sardar describes how Europe (besides America, and one may now include Australia as well), despises the Muslim. While it is increasingly united in this perception, Sardar argues that the reasons differ in each country.

Throughout my journey, from Germany to the Netherlands, onwards to Belgium and finally into France - the object of much recent attention - I meet people all too ready to describe Muslims in the colours of darkness. Islamophobia is not a British disease: it is a common, if diverse, European phenomenon. It is the singular rock against which the tide of European liberalism crashes.

There are common themes but also subtle differences in the way each nation's history influences its people's present attitude to immigrant communities. Much of this is rooted in the various colonial histories.

More essays on the theme here.

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Europe, Islam, Politics