The Fear of Islam, Second Edition: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West

by Todd H. Green

Overview

The Fear of Islam investigates the context of Western views of Islam and offers an introduction to the historical roots and contemporary anxiety regarding Islam within the Western world.

Tracing the medieval legacy of religious polemics and violence, Green orients readers to the complex history and issues of Western relations to Islam, from early and late modern colonial enterprises and theories of "Orientalism," to the production of religious discourses of otherness and the clash of civilizations that proliferated in the era of 9/11 and the war on terror.

In this second edition, Green brings the reader up to date, examining the Islamophobic rhetoric of the 2016 US presidential election and the ongoing success of populist and far right parties in Europe. Green provides updated data on the rise of anti-Muslim legislation—for example, the Muslim ban in the United States and a wave of full-face veil bans in Europe—as well as the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes on both sides of the Atlantic since 2015.

This important book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand current views of Islam and to work toward meaningful peace and understanding between religious communities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506450445
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	09/03/2019
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	363
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Todd H. Green teaches religious studies at Luther College and is an internationally recognized expert in Islamophobia. He served as a US State Department adviser on Islamophobia in both the Obama and Trump administrations and is a sought-after speaker, giving lectures on college campuses as well as to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Green's work has been featured in the Huffington Post, and his expertise has been cited by organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations, the Center for American Progress, the NAACP, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. He has been interviewed by a variety of media outlets, including CNN, NPR, and Al Jazeera. He is the author of The Fear of Islam.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction 1

1 What Is Islamophobia? 9

2 The Historical Foundations of Islamophobia 41

3 Colonialism, Orientalism, and the Clash of Civilizations 77

4 9/11, the War on Terror, and the Rise of Political Islamophobia 111

5 The "Islamic Threat" in Modern Europe 159

6 Professional Islamophobia 205

7 Muslims in the Media and at the Movies 237

8 Islamophobia and Its Casualties 273

9 Combating Islamophobia 327

Glossary 353

Further Reading 359

Editorial Reviews

"Todd H. Green has written a compelling and important book. The future of the West rises and falls on its ability to welcome the contributions of its most diverse elements. Thus, Islamophobia doesn't just hurt Muslims, it weakens Western civilization. Green's book helps us understand the problem and generate creative solutions." —Eboo Patel, Interfaith Youth Core, author of Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity and the American Promise

"This is an outstanding presentation of the history and current state of Islamophobia. Todd H. Green draws upon reliable studies supplemented by original research to demonstrate how perceptions of Muslims are shaped and distorted, leading to prejudice and fear. Highly recommended for reporters, teachers, and policy makers." —Ingrid Mattson, Huron University College at Western University, author of The Story of the Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life

"The Fear of Islam is an incredibly comprehensive survey of Islamophobia, tracing how the West has regarded Islam from its inception in the sixth century to medieval writings, the European enlightenment, colonialism, the war on terror, and the present moment. In addition to offering important historical context and breadth, this book provides an accessible snapshot of scholarship on Islamophobia today. Covering both the United States and Europe, Todd H. Green shows how Islamophobia has long been motivated by struggles over power. Policy makers and media professionals would also benefit from reading it. It should be required reading at high schools and universities." —Evelyn Alsultany, University of Southern California, author of Arabs and Muslims in the Media: Race and Representation after 9/11

"In many ways, the irrational fear and hatred of Muslims has become the fulcrum of US national politics. Todd H. Green is among our most perceptive guides to where this hysteria comes from, how it articulates our shameful history of racism, and how it works to degrade American values." —Juan Cole, University of Michigan, author of Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires

From the Publisher