By Proving themselves relentless in their dedication to tackling the shadow of Islamophobia, as well as bridging gaps between diverse communities to foster unity and understanding, the Institute of Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) has come out with a video detailing four data-driven ways to fight Islamophobia.
Using their quintessential method of conducting rigorous research to approach problems plaguing society, the ISPU developed a statistical indicator called the Islamophobia Index. Using this indicator has allowed us to assign actual statistics to the troubling trend of rising Islamophobia. The index in question here depicts the level of endorsement with regards to negative stereotypes associated with Muslims in America.
The statements measured are:
- Most Muslims living in the United States are more prone to violence than others.
- Most Muslims living in the United States discriminate against women.
- Most Muslims living in the United States are hostile to the United States.
- Most Muslims living in the United States are less civilized than other people.
- Most Muslims living in the United States are partially responsible for acts of violence carried out by other Muslims.
Troubling, but not entirely unexpected, the Islamophobia Index has inched upwards in the past few years. In 2018, the index sat at 24. In 2019, we saw that number rise to 28. Research conducted by the ISPU also found that knowing a Muslim was linked to lower instances of Islamophobia.
At the end of the day, statistics are a powerful tool. They back up experiences with fact. Facts that we can then use as a springboard to address issues within our communities and guide policy in order to develop an equitable and therefore powerful society based on unity between the diverse communities that make up the United States or America.
As a result, ISPU has produced an impactful video detailing four data-driven methods that we can employ to approach and tackle Islamophobia. Through these methods, we can effectively work towards dispelling harmful stereotypes to foster a more united community.