This first cartoon pokes fun at the idea of free speech policies that are interpreted to allow certain ideas to be maintained while other ideas are not allowed. Of course, it is ok to hold anti-Muslim ideas but not ok to deny that the holocaust occurred, and it is the media that decides what is acceptable to believe. This cartoon raises awareness that Islamaphobic language is being used when it should not be and also puts Islamaphobia on the same level as the Holocaust. Both were/ are examples of horrific discrimination, but today, the media has presented the public with a view that suggests that Islamaphobia is common place.
This cartoon makes a joke out of the definition of a terrorist according to the U.S. In post 9/11 days, the U.S. was quick to announce that the war was not against Islam, but rather against "Terror." But the definition of terror was not clear. It seems that the U.S. used the scapegoat of terrorism in order to search for foreign oil and this cartoon suggests that there were ulterior motives for the involvement in the Middle East.
This last cartoon minimizes the sacred nature of Islam by over-exaggerating the assumed Muslim response to the depiction of Muhammad and under-exaggerating the same response to horrific violence. This shows that the common view of the Muslim faith is irrational, uncaring, and stubborn. The cartoon generalizes to all Muslims as it discriminates against those that practice or look like people who practice one religion. The most important aspect of this cartoon is that it does not explicitly state the political or religious affiliation of the pictured individual, but the reader assumes that he is Muslim.
As seen by these cartoons, Islamaphobia is a very big deal. It creates unfair stereotypes against an entire religion and also includes those who appear to be of the same religion. Political cartoons in general make fun of little stereotypes or unjustified views of certain people or groups of people in order to raise awareness of a bigger problem. These cartoons show that Islamaphobia is a big deal that effects a large portion of our globe.
I am happy you bring up this point, especially using political cartoons. I like the contrasting points of each cartoon, its telling on how much variety there is in Islamophobia.
ReplyDeleteIts a growing challenge to counter it, and its not an entirely new phenomena. Its happening for many reasons, and the Norway bombings were partly influenced by the ideas and concepts behind Islamophobia. Europe is experiencing it in full force, and they aren't doing a good enough job in combating the potentially violent ideas behind Islamophobia.
I think these cartoons represent your point very well. They are also frustrating because it shows how, despite political talks between nations to create peace, stereotyped images and feelings are perpetuated by the media and public that act to hinder the progress of peacemaking. While politicians, scholars, and religious leaders may put forth tireless efforts to invoke understanding and peace between two groups, images like these instill the negative attitudes and stereotypes throughout society and act to counter their efforts.
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