Islamophobia

Refers to the growing anti- Islamic sentiment in the West. Following the violent attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, Western media have frequently tended to portray Islam as a religion that promotes hostility, aggressiveness, and is supportive of terrorism. Islamophobia is thus centered on the irrational fear and belief that all or most Muslims are “Islamic” fundamentalists. Over the last few years, Islamophobia has risen significantly in Europe, where discriminatory practices and the exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society have become common.