The Mediatized Islamophobia: A Study of US and UK Press Discourses

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The term “Islamophobia” refers to a hostile attitude towards Muslims and Islam. Although its manifestations may be similar in different social contexts, their reasons might differ from society to society. Since Islamophobia manifests itself through language, the current study seeks to explore these reasons through press discourses.

Methodology: The researchers employed a critical discourse analytical method to study press discourses. Using DHA’s analytical framework, they analysed leading articles published in The Washington Post and The Independent between November 2016 and December 2017.

Findings: This analysis reveals that the Islamophobia in the US stems from the perception of Islam as an enemy, whereas in the UK it arises from a dislike for this religion. Further, the term “Islam” was employed in the US discourse context to denote the political ideology described as “Shariah,” but it was used in the UK discourse context to represent the religious ideology described as “Wahhabism.” Also, the two Islams in their respective contexts were blamed for the same problem—terrorism.

Conclusion: This study concludes that contemporary Islamophobia is a mediatized phenomenon that is constructed through a discourse that portrays Islam as a source of terror and Muslims as fearsome creatures. It identified the basic strategies of constructing Islamophobia in the press (media) discourses. It further demonstrated that media discourses are not the only factors influencing this phenomenon; historically persistent anti-Muslim prejudice and politically motivated anti-Islam rhetoric have also influenced these discourses to incite enmity or hatred towards Muslims and Islam.