Canada’s decision to name a special representative on combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby has been controversial to say the least. Some have criticised the move on a number of levels and others have in turn been called Islamophobic for their opposition. And yet the elephant in the room is that the single greatest Islamophobes are jihadis, aka Islamist terrorists. Borealis looks at this issue in the context of how to frame Islamophobia.
By Phil Gurski
Phil Gurski is the President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting Ltd. Phil is a 32-year veteran of CSE and CSIS and the author of six books on terrorism.
2 replies on “When it come to Islamophobia who is actually behind it?”
“who are the greatest perpetrators of islamophobia?”
“Muslims”
“You’re hired, welcome to CSIS, when can you start?”
Joking aside, the definition of islamophobia you use is: the ones who commit the most violent attacks on Muslims.
By that definition, antisemitism does not exist. Because, by your definition it’s limited to violence. That would take all of the graffiti, comments, hate off the table. Further, if we ask who are the greatest perpetrators of anti-semitism, and I’m sure you’ll appreciate this as a linguist, other semites. I’m sure you can see where I was going with that.
As a Muslim, I can assure you that is not violent jihadis or Isis inspired terrorists who are walking into mosques with guns, pulling hijabs off of girls, running Muslims over with their trucks. It’s white men, filled with insecurities, hate and supremacy. Not all white men are Islamophobes, but all Islamophobes are white men.
I’ve known both you and Amira for a long time and the funny thing is both of you have said things years ago that I’m sure you would tell your old self not to say.
It’s worth exploring to see where this goes to reduce islamophobia which is real. I work with an organization called Naseeha and you can ask them about the 1000 calls a month they are getting from young Muslims on topics including but not limited to bullying, violence, suicide.
This appointment also sends a message to Muslims that the government of Canada isn’t out to get them — Isis talking point. This appointment at the same time helps to address the very real islamophobia problem but also gives fodder to those combating the also real threat of Muslims using tactics to lure young people to join their violence mission.
My dear friend Kamran. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I most certainly did not say there is no such thing as Islamophobia. Furthermore, it IS jihadis who attack mosques! (https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pakistan-mosque-death-toll-1.6731583). All hate is bad: on that you and I agree. I just don’t think it needs a special office to do so. Hope you are well!