Not another wave of Islamophobia please!

These Islamophobic commentators are metaphorically throwing stones at Trad, and their comments mainly revolve around classical orientalist stereotypes of oppressive, violent and misogynistic Muslim men and oppressed and subservient Muslim women. These cynical and ignorant Islamophobic people cling to such stereotypes, and persist not to update their information on Islam and Muslims by abusing and turning a deaf ear to people like Keysar Trad. They probably believe that Muslims should not be a part of Australian society in the first place.

One can be critical of “specific” issues and practices in “specific” Muslim countries and groups, but such criticism requires a well-informed approach rather than perpetuation of prejudices and stereotypes. I would like to emphasise that Islamophobia is a form of discrimination, and it should not be tolerated.

Furthermore, people from Muslim and other minority backgrounds like Keysar Trad should not be disheartened by such abusive response, but they should continue keeping us informed about issues related to minorities in Australia.

Let’s hope that terrorist attacks in India will not exacerbate Islamophobia in Australia. And let’s also hope that in the future On Line Opinion will attract a better quality audience who respect different opinions, and who really know how to have a debate and discussion about social and political issues.