Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
The term Islamophobia is a word that has often been used to describe the discrimination that the Muslims face in Western Europe. The term emerged as a result of lack of a common understanding between the native Europeans and the Muslims politically, socially and legally. The term has in most cases been used imprecisely to refer to diverse phenomena including xenophobia and anti-terrorism. The use of this term has become widespread and mostly among the media and the politicians of the European countries. This research paper will focus on the issue of Islamophobia in Europe with particular interest on Switzerland.
A major demonstration of Islamophobia in Switzerland was exhibited when 58% of the whole population in this country voted for the banishment of Minarets, which are towers that are commonly associated with the places of worship of the Muslims. This was an act of betrayal on the part of the Muslims for it was as if they were being denied their freedom in countries in which they were citizens by law. The Muslims form five percent of the total population in Switzerland and this being no small number, their freedom of worship should be highly respected.
Immigrants from other Islam countries are in most cases seen as intruders and any hostility directed towards them is as a direct result of the conviction that such people are a threat to the freedom of worship of the other religions. The argument that the Muslims do not practise gender equality and instead tend to subject women to oppression has also been a factor that has contributed to the seclusion and disdainful regard of the Muslims in Switzerland. Therefore, not only are Muslims disliked in Switzerland because of their different culture but also because they defend ideas that openly contradict with those of most nationals of Switzerland (Haddad 20).
There is minimal public recognition of Muslims in the entire Europe, especially in Switzerland. The Muslims have had no choice but to remain culturally marginalized. The ironical part of it is that although the constitution of the Swiss guarantees the Muslims freedom of worship, there are no religious institutions such as a theological faculty or schools that will provide an opportunity to teach the upcoming generations the Islam principles and serve as a center for worship. Because of this reason, the condition of the Muslims in most European nations remains unchanged which is a major cause of their constant bemoaning.
The discrimination against the Muslims in the European nations has much to do with the attitudes of the very Europeans towards the same. Our views and opinions on people are greatly affected by the way we see them and what we see in them. In Switzerland, almost every national has learned to associate every Muslim face they see with the acts of terrorism going on across the globe. Because of this, the Muslims will always be subjected to open hostility for as long as the negative attitudes of the swiss on them do not change (Haddad 23). A major question arises: will Muslims at one time ever come to live as equal citizens to other Europeans with full rights?
In conclusion, the Muslim community is obliged to face open discrimination in the European nations and especially in Geneva, Switzerland. The major cause is the difference in culture and socially accepted ideas. It is high time the European community recalled their stance and gave the Muslim community ample time to practise their customs as required by their law.
Works Cited
Haddad, Yvonne. Muslims in the West: From Sojourners to Citizens. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. Print.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.