The website muslimsaroundtheworld has published a report in which it has examined the role of Muslim communities in combating Islamophobia and documented their role around the world.
By documenting the positive role of Muslim communities in building their new societies and presenting a balanced picture of the reality of society and their effectiveness, the report addresses the role of Muslim communities in different continents in combating the phenomenon of Islamophobia.
Islamophobia; from media to politics
In a world where Islamophobia is rapidly spreading across five continents, Muslim communities no longer have the option of simply defending themselves or responding to the repeated attacks of tarnishing the image of Muslims created by some media outlets and fueled by political rhetoric.
The image of Islam is no longer created solely through political discourse or news coverage, but through a complete narrative presented by cultural institutions, museums, exhibitions and public spaces; spaces with which people interact daily and through which their awareness deepens and becomes more enduring.
Reflecting the role of Muslim communities through cultural documentation; When actions are ignored and exceptions are magnified
In most non-Muslim countries, there are Muslim communities that have made great contributions to their societies, from doctors, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs to civil society activists, university professors, artists and athletes.
But the current media landscape still focuses on individual mistakes or rare behaviors, turning the exception into the rule and individual phenomena into collective behavior, thus hiding great achievements under the noise of negative narratives.
Condemnation alone is not enough to remedy this shortcoming. Rather, it requires the creation of new windows that re-validate the truth and present a realistic, humane, and enlightened picture of Muslims and their role in society.
Why don't Muslims set up small museums to showcase their activities?
The idea is simple and feasible: to create exhibition halls or small museums within or next to Islamic centers, which tell the story of Muslim communities in each country and document the role of their members and pioneers in education, health, economics, scientific research, art, sports, and social service.
Small museums, but with a big message: to present a visual and human narrative that allows schools, universities, journalists, writers, pundits, and influential figures to see the real face of Muslims up close and away from the noise of breaking news.
Lessons from Other Communities
Jewish, Armenian, Greek, Ukrainian, and Japanese communities in the West have recognized the importance of cultural soft power and have established museums and documentation centers that preserve their history, highlight their work, and invite the public to visit them.
Experience has shown that these museums are not just buildings, but effective tools for shaping awareness and correcting stereotypes, especially among students, journalists, and policymakers.
So why doesn’t the same model apply to Muslim communities? And why don’t the institutions of these communities have a clear visual narrative that demonstrates their positive contributions to the societies they live in?
From Defense to Action
A shift in Muslim communities’ stance from defense to action is essential to changing narratives. Rather than waiting for the media to present a fair picture, these communities can show their true colors through interactive platforms that foster civic engagement.
These museums can also become a platform for ongoing communication with schools and universities, and be part of annual cultural activities in cities, thus reinforcing the presence of Muslims as an active cognitive and social force, not as a censored minority.
Opening this file is not a media luxury, but a cultural and moral necessity in a global moment that combines fear, provocation, and misunderstanding.
Dedicating a permanent press file that follows these initiatives, observes experiences, interviews experts, and proposes new projects will help create awareness based on knowledge, not fear; based on facts, not stereotypes; and based on dialogue, not unfair generalizations.
This report is the beginning of restoring the world’s trust in Muslims’ true image and emphasizing that Muslims are an integral part of the fabric of the countries in which they live, contributing to their progress as much as they benefit from it.
No comments:
Post a Comment