Maria Akbar argues that recent public events clearly prove that the media and politicians treat Muslims differently to the rest of the population, and especially British Zionists.
In the past, Muslims here in the West were not systematically the direct victims of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric. While it undoubtedly existed, it was less visible in the day-to-day lives of the majority.
Instead, the dehumanisation of Muslims appeared more pronounced abroad in countries such as Palestine, India and Myanmar rather than in our own communities.
However, over the past several years, there has been a noticeable shift. Anti-Muslim rhetoric has become more overt in public spaces, and the threshold of what is considered acceptable has changed.
Subsequently, Muslims are being viewed and treated differently, as if our lives are less valuable.
The fact that we have to campaign and struggle for the government to bar entry to individuals such as Valentina Gomez is one example of this. Gomez is a sick individual who directly spews hatred towards Muslims and clearly makes attempts to stir and enrage others to do the same, putting our lives at risk.
However, there was little effort required, and rightfully so, in banning individuals who make antisemitic statements, as was the case with Kanye West. This disparity reveals a double standard that Muslims are expected to tolerate.
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Similar concerns arise when looking at public demonstrations, which reveal a bias towards non-Muslims. Far-right marches are allowed to go ahead despite their inflammatory rhetoric, public disorder and drunkards.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestine marches, such as the Al-Quds Day march, are banned, despite the fact that they are totally peaceful. This is simply unequal treatment.
Media demonistaion
Media coverage further contributes to the unequal treatment.
For example, Russell Brand, who is due to be on trial for rape, is still given a platform to speak, treated with dignity and respect, as seen in his recent interview with Piers Morgan. But we know that if it were a Muslim on trial for such a crime, all sorts of nonsense would be said about him, as well as about the religion, and extended to all Muslims.
If a single Muslim commits a crime, the crime is attributed to the religion. But when any other faith actor commits a crime, they are treated as a criminal in isolation. The same treatment just does not exist between Muslims and non-Muslims.
In addition, mainstream reporting of anti-Islamic crimes varies significantly compared to the coverage of antisemitic events.
Anti-Islamic events are reported on less frequently, with softer language, influencing the perception of Muslims in the media. This minimises the problem of Islamophobia that Muslims experience, whilst amplifying antisemitic events in the media.
The misrepresentation dampens the struggle and threat we face.
Multicultural society
Importantly, the vast majority of people continue to live peacefully alongside one another in diverse, multicultural communities. However, the gradual normalisation of certain narratives and disparities in treatment is not something we can ignore.
If left unchallenged, these patterns risk fostering an environment where prejudice against Muslims becomes easier to overlook. Over time, this can lead to reduced empathy and concern for Muslims when they are targeted or harmed.
So when Muslims are victims of hate crimes the perpetrators may get away with it, or less attention is given to it as.
Muslims are part of the fabric of society. We contribute positively in countless ways through our work, communities and civic engagement. Like everyone else, we deserve to feel safe, respected and treated with fairness.
Recognising these concerns is the first step. Further to that, it is important to hold institutions to account and challenge unfair narratives when they arise.
We must also support organisations and individuals on the front lines of the fightback, as ignoring the issue risks allowing the problem to grow and causing more harm to future generations of Muslims.
