By On Oct. 26, the Canadian Parliament passed an anti-Islamophobia motion in light of recent attacks on mosques and Muslim communities in Canada and around the world. Although not a law, the motion condemns all forms of Islamophobia. The motion was adopted after 70,000 Canadian citizens signed an online petition condemning Islamophobia. The petition was launched on June 8, 2016, and was closed for signature on Oct. 6, 2016, the Daily Sabah reports.
“We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to join us in recognizing that extremist individuals do not represent the religion of Islam, and in condemning all forms of Islamophobia,” the petition read.
By not showing coverage of this, it demonstrates a lack of sympathy and solidarity to the Muslim-Canadian community, and defeats the purpose of the motion.
There’s just one problem: Mainstream media hasn’t covered it. At all.
The problem with the lack of media coverage on the motion is that Canada is not spreading the Parliament’s condemnation of Islamophobia. As a result, the Muslim community in Canada is denied recognition of their rights, and continues to be further marginalized. By not showing coverage of this, it demonstrates a lack of sympathy and solidarity to the Muslim-Canadian community, and defeats the purpose of the motion.
What is the point of passing an anti-Islamophobic motion when anti-Islamophobia present in media prevents this message from spreading to the public?
Canada is recognized as one of the most tolerant countries in the world. As much of a milestone it is for this motion to be passed, we need to do better as the public to spread ideals of tolerance and acceptance.
Maybe more people would talk about it if the petition and wording thereof had some foundation in fact, people might take it a little bit more seriously. Firstly ” does not represent the interpretation of Islam that a majority of Muslims adhere to at this time” would be accurate. Replacing the artificially constructed world of Islamophobia with bigotry would also be more accurate and likely attract more solidarity with the position.
You could always go the whole hog and tell the actual truth as well, just for the hell of it !
Something like-
We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to join us in recognizing that extremist and Islamist individuals do not represent the religion of Islam as it is interpretated by a majority of Muslims across the world, and in condemning all forms of bigotry exercised against any single or group of Muslim people. Whilst recognising that anyone has the right to criticise and/or challenge any idea such as the ideology of Islam itself.
Hydrophobia = fear of water
Arachnophobia = fear of spiders
Islamophobia = fear of Islam.
Is it now against the law to have a fear of Islam?