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Revision as of 13:42, 18 June 2003 by TeunSpaans (talk | contribs) (+ links)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Islamophobia is a relatively new term describing hatred or prejudice against Muslims, and Islamic culture in general, based upon irrational fear (hence phobia). Similarly, an islamophobe is someone who has an irrational hatred or fear of muslims. Generally, islamaphobia is based upon a fear of Islamism and characterised by a belief that all Muslims are religious fanatics. Islamophobia can also be seen as a form of Anti-Arab racism.
Islamophobia can also be seen as the increased trend in Western politics to view the tenets of Islamic Fundamentalism and the Western ideals of democracy and capitalism as being fundamentally opposed forces, much in the same way that Communism was categorised during the Cold War.
It is thought the term 'islamophobia' is based upon the term 'homophobia'.
History
Ever since the Muslim expansion in the 8th century Islamophobia has been a part of European culture.
The September 11 Terrorist Attack has lead to an increase in Islamophobia throughout the Western world.
There are many organizations working to end Anti-Muslim bias among Israelis, as well as to end Anti-Semitic bias among Arabs. See the entry on projects working for peace among Israelis and Arabs.
See also Anti-Islamism - Dhimmi - Persecution of Christians - Islam and anti-Semitism