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How to CHILL

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How to Challenge Islamophobia

  1. Educate Yourself and Others
  2. Speak Up & Have Productive Conversations
    1. Strategies for Confronting Islamophobic Behaviour
    2. Tips for Respectful and Productive Conversations
    3. Techniques for Educating Others and Promoting Understanding
  3. Report Incidents
  4. Supporting Individuals Experiencing Islamophobia
    1. Be There
    2. Offer Practical Help
      3. Stand in Solidarity
  • Support Muslim Women

    • Educate Yourself and Others

    To gain a deeper understanding of Islam and the experiences of Muslim women, we encourage you to visit the IWCNZ’s webpage and follow IWCNZ social media. By engaging with and sharing personal stories, you can foster empathy and insight into Muslim women’s daily lives and challenges. Additionally, participating in cultural and religious events can help everyone better appreciate and understand Muslim women’s perspectives and lives.

    You can support and participate in projects that highlight the negative impacts of Islamophobia on individuals and society (i.e. share the CHILL campaign with your friends, colleagues, community members.  Simply share, share, share!). By educating others about the diversity within the Muslim community, we can counteract harmful stereotypes and promote understanding.

    Speak Up & Have Productive Conversations

    Silence can be seen as acceptance. We encourage you to gently challenge prejudiced remarks or jokes in social settings, providing factual information to counter stereotypes and myths. By doing so, we can actively combat misinformation and promote a more inclusive environment.

    Strategies for Confronting Islamaphobic Behaviour

    Use “I” Statements. Express your feelings and perspectives without attacking the other person. For example, “I feel uncomfortable when you make comments like that.” This approach helps in maintaining a respectful dialogue.  Here are three more examples of “I” statements that can work as a guide:

    • I find it hurtful when such remarks are made about someone’s religion.
    • I feel concerned when I hear comments like that, as they can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
    • I believe it’s important to be respectful towards everyone, and comments like that make it hard to promote a positive environment.
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    Set Boundaries:

    Clearly communicate that Islamophobic behaviour is not acceptable in any setting, whether it’s at work, school, or in social gatherings. For instance:

    • I don’t think it’s appropriate to joke about someone’s religion here.
    • I believe it’s important for us to respect everyone, so I can’t support comments like that.
    • I find those kinds of remarks harmful and not in line with the values we uphold here.
    • I feel it’s  important to be inclusive, and comments like that undermine our efforts to create a welcoming environment for all.

    Tips for Respectful and Productive Conversations

    Listen Actively. Show genuine interest in understanding the other person’s perspective. Use body language and verbal affirmations to demonstrate that you are engaged. For instance, nodding and saying, “I’d like to understand more.” Paraphrase their statements to ensure clarity, such as, “It sounds like you have concerns about….” Ask open-ended questions like, “Can you explain what specific experiences have influenced your views?” This encourages a more in-depth conversation. Acknowledge their feelings without necessarily agreeing, by saying, “I understand that you’re worried, and it’s important to discuss these concerns.” This approach helps maintain a respectful and open dialogue, which is important when addressing Islamophobic behaviour and statements.

    Stay Calm

    Keep the conversation civil and avoid getting defensive or aggressive. Maintaining a calm demeanour helps in keeping the discussion productive. For example, take deep breaths and respond with, “Let’s discuss this calmly and respectfully.” If the conversation becomes heated, gently steer it back to a more composed tone by saying, “I understand this is a sensitive topic, but let’s try to keep our discussion constructive.” Use a steady voice and measured responses to prevent escalation and promote a more thoughtful exchange of ideas.

    Focus on Facts

    Back up your points with reliable data and credible sources to strengthen your arguments. For instance, say, “According to the New Zealand Police, hate incidents against Muslims have increased, which is a concern we need to address.” Refer to verified statistics, research findings, and authoritative reports to support your statements. This not only adds weight to your argument but also encourages a fact-based discussion. For example, you might add, “Studies from reputable organisations indicate that misconceptions about Muslims often arise from misinformation, which we need to counter with accurate information.”  https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/509717/rise-in-hate-incidents-reported-to-police

    Techniques for Educating Others and Promoting Understanding

    Share Personal Stories. Real-life experiences can be powerful in changing perceptions. Share stories that highlight the positive contributions and everyday lives of Muslims. For example, “A friend of mine, a Muslim woman, works tirelessly in community service, and her contributions have made a significant impact.”    Share the CHILL videos from this campaign.  You can also download the resource from IWCNZ available here to share Muslim women’s stories from New Zealand.
    Download Our IWCNZ Rescource - Stories From Our Heart

    Use Analogies

    Relate Islamophobia to other forms of discrimination that people might be more familiar with, such as racism or sexism. This helps in making the issue more relatable. For instance, “Just as racism is unacceptable, so is Islamophobia. Both are based on unfounded stereotypes.” Additionally, you could say, “Think about how sexism unfairly targets women based on gender; similarly, Islamophobia targets individuals based on their faith.”

    Encourage Empathy

    Ask others to put themselves in the shoes of Muslim women experiencing discrimination. Encourage them to consider how they would feel in similar situations.  Possible approaches could be: 

    • Imagine being judged or mistreated simply because of your appearance or cultural practices. How would that impact your daily life?
    • Think about how it would feel to face prejudice based on something like your clothing or the way you speak. What kind of stress and challenges would that create for you?
    • Consider if your loved ones were subjected to discrimination because of their background or identity. How would you feel and what would you want to change about that situation

    Report Incidents

    Use available channels to report hate crimes and discriminatory behaviour in all environments. Based on the scale and type of incident this could include contacting the authorities, using online reporting tools, or reaching out to organisations that support victims of discrimination. In the workplace, you can also report incidents to your Human Resources (HR) department or use internal reporting systems. Schools may have specific protocols or designated staff for handling such reports, and community centres often provide resources and support for addressing discriminatory behaviour.  Please see our page on reporting for more information.

    Support Muslim Women

    Offer solidarity and support. Your support can make a significant difference. Engage in community service projects that include diverse participants, fostering cooperation and solidarity. Create support networks to provide resources and assistance to those affected by Islamophobia.

    Be There:

    Offer emotional support and a listening ear. Sometimes, just being present can provide significant comfort to someone experiencing discrimination. Simply letting them know that you are available to talk and providing a safe space for them to express their feelings can make a substantial difference.

    Offer Practical Help:

    Assist with reporting incidents or finding resources, such as legal aid or counselling services. Help them navigate the processes required to address their grievances. This might include accompanying them to meetings or helping them fill out necessary forms.

    Stand in Solidarity:

    Show public support and be an ally. Participate in rallies, sign petitions, and use social media to amplify their voices and concerns. Publicly standing with those affected by Islamophobia can help validate their experiences and draw attention to the issue.

    Additional “Can Dos”

    Promote Empathy and Perspective-Taking

    Engage with personal stories and participate in cultural events. Empathy can reduce prejudices and foster understanding. Share and listen to stories that highlight the everyday lives and challenges faced by Muslims, helping others to see them as individuals rather than stereotypes.

    Increase Awareness and Education:

    Support educational campaigns and counteract stereotypes. Educate about the diversity within the Muslim community and the negative impacts of Islamophobia. Promote resources that provide factual information about Islam and its followers, correcting misconceptions and biases.  Ensure the institutions you are connected with do as well.

    Support Positive Media Representation:

    Encourage critical consumption of media and challenge Islamophobic narratives. Share positive stories and achievements of Muslims to balance negative portrayals. Advocate for media outlets to provide fair and accurate representation of Muslim communities. Engage in dialogues with journalists, encourage diversity in newsrooms, and develop ethical journalism guidelines. Promote media literacy workshops to teach identifying bias and misinformation.

    Advocate for Inclusive Policies:

    Support anti-discrimination policies and encourage inclusive practices in workplaces and educational institutions. Advocate for changes in laws to protect against discrimination and hate crimes. Work towards creating environments where diversity is celebrated and protected by policy.

    Engage in Constructive Dialogue:

    Initiate respectful conversations about Islam and Islamophobia. Challenge prejudiced remarks with factual information and maintain a calm demeanour. These dialogues can help counter tropes and  myths and encourage a more informed and respectful understanding of Islam.

    Build Community Connections

    Participate in activities and community service projects to promote mutual understanding and respect. Support community-based programs that encourage interaction and cooperation. Building relationships and engaging in shared activities can break down barriers and grow solidarity in New Zealand.

    Visit Us Again!

    Thank you for visiting ICWNZ! We are delighted to have you here and invite you to explore all that our website has to offer. Whether you’re looking for the latest updates, resources, or events, we have something for everyone. Feel free to keep coming back for more updates and information. Your engagement and support are invaluable to us.

    Keep an eye on our website for new content and upcoming events. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. We are here to help and support our community.

    Crowded Places Conference August 2022

    IWCNZ Annual Conference 2020

    Research 

    Research on general Islamophobia has been prevalent for many years. More recently, studies began focusing on gendered Islamophobia, highlighting the specific harassment and discrimination faced by Muslim women. The research reveals the heightened vulnerability to violence and oppression due to visible markers like the hijab or identifiers like names and national origin. 

    There are solutions to addressing Islamophobia and gendered Islamophobia.  To learn more, IWCNZ shares a few articles and encourages further exploration of what can be done to CHILL.

    Alimahomed-Wilson, S. (2020). The matrix of gendered Islamophobia: Muslim women’s repression and resistance. Gender & Society, 34(4), 657-680. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243220932156

    Butt, A. W. (2022). The Islamophobia and counter-Islamophobia movement: A case study on how the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) resists Islamophobia (Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University). ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (28970788).

    Dunn, K. M., Diallo, T. M., & Sharples, R. (2021). Segmenting anti-Muslim sentiment in Australia: Insights for the diverse project of countering Islamophobia. Ethnicities, 21(3), 538-562. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468796821989819

    Elghawaby, A. (2023). Combatting Islamophobia: Addressing an ongoing threat to building the society we deserve. Carleton University. https://core.ac.uk/download/596851260.pdf

    Peace, T. (2021). Counter-Islamophobia Attitude. In T. Peace (Ed.), The Muslim Problem (pp. 211–228). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77216-4_10

    Rashid, M. I., Iqbal, M. M., & Tanvir, M. (2023). Islamophobia: Causes and countermeasures. Journal of Islamic Studies, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/20578911231156

    Stewart, C., Guadagno, R. E., Gasiorek, J., & Mascaro, C. (2022). Reducing Islamophobia: An assessment of psychological mechanisms that underlie anti-Islamophobia media interventions. University of Pennsylvania. https://www.asc.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/2022-09/Reducing%20Islamophobia-%20An%20assessment%20of%20psychological%20mechanisms%20that%20underlie%20anti-Islamophobia%20media%20interventions.pdf

    The Carter Center. (2018). Countering the Islamophobia industry: Toward more effective strategies. Atlanta, GA: The Carter Center. Retrieved from https://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/peace/conflict_resolution/countering-isis/cr-countering-the-islamophobia-industry.pdf