On October 21, Professor Hatem Bazian founded the Islamophobia Research and Documentation Project (IRDP). It interviewed Professor Jasmin Zine, author of the book ‘Under Siege – Islamophobia and the 9/11 Generation’. In the interview, Professor Zine discusses the sense of self-censorship among Muslims. Those who grew up as part of the “9/11 generation” in America. The book is based on in-depth interviews with more than 130 young people, youth workers, and community leaders. It unpacks the dynamics of Islamophobia as a system of oppression and examines its impact on Canadian Muslim youth.
According to Professor Zine’s research, Muslims are growing up in America. Those were hyper-sensitive and hyper-aware of the stereotypes and tropes surrounding them. Some of which affected their self-expression. She recalls one participant telling her that being an active Muslim disincentivized them. All from joining their university’s Muslim Student Association (MSA). The slandered as ‘suspects’ by Islamophobic bigots across America.
Concerns about Hyper-Surveillance Attacks on Muslim Students and Islamophobia
Professor Bazian, a professor at U.C. Berkleley, expressed his concern about the hyper-surveillance and attacks students face from Islamophobic and Zionist bigots. Professor Zine agrees with this sentiment. Saying parents diverted their children from being involved with groups seen as ‘suspect’ by the Islamophobic standard.
The IRDP’s web page defines Islamophobia as a contrived fear or prejudice fomented by the existing Eurocentric and Orientalist global power structure, directed at a perceived or real Muslim threat through the maintenance and extension of existing disparities in economic, political, social, and cultural relations. The IRDP highlights research and projects that explore the maintenance and extension of existing power paradigms, bringing together academics, thinkers, practitioners, and researchers from around the globe who engage, question, and challenge the existing disparities in economic, political, social, and cultural relations.
The most recent publication from the IRDP is by Professor Jasmin Zine, titled “The Canadian Islamophobia Industry: Mapping Islamophobia’s Ecosystem in the Great White North.” The interview ended with discussions on Islamophobia as a global phenomenon and the different and creative ways activists and those affected by it have approached the issue.
Overall, Professor Jasmin Zine and Professor Hatem Bazian have done great work for years to educate and end Islamophobia in America.
