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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamophobia_in_Italy

The Mosque of Rome, one of the many mosques in Italy.

Islamophobia is characterised by a dislike against the religion of Islam and those perceived to be following the religion, typically fuelled by fear and hatred, ultimately meaning anti-Muslim racism. It has become increasingly common and widespread throughout the world in recent times due to multiple ‘terror’ attacks instigated by Islamic groups. In Europe, there has been an immense increase in cultural tensions between national majorities and marginalised Muslim countries , as shown by the results of the 2009 elections in the European Parliament with a large vote toward anti-immigration. Events in European countries in recent years have increased this discontent and have contributed to the wide acceptance in the Western world that those of Islamic faith are not seen as equal citizens. Within Italy, there is a large Islamic presence of approximately 1.25 million people , stemming from the widespread migration and settlement that has occurred over decades, in particular from North Africa. The Islamic population of Italy increasingly faces challenges when it comes to their position in society, with the increasing cultural hostility that stems from the growing presence of Islamophobia. The intensity of Islamophobia in Italy is enhanced by the historical religious structure of the state – which is heavily based on the Catholic Church.

Definition

Islamophobia is defined as a dislike or prejudice against the religion of Islam, especially as a political force. Islam is an extremely prevailing religion with almost a quarter of the world’s population identifying with it.

Theories

Anti-Islam prejudices exist from many sources and are based on varying logics throughout the world. Despite the September 11 attacks on the United States immensely enhancing and propelling the prevalence of Islamophobia, the sentiments of anti-Islamic thought have existed well prior to this, in part due to the lack of integration of Muslim migrants into the Western world .

Contributions

Islamophobia has existed around the world for an extensive time as well as within Italy, however is has become increasingly prevalent in more recent times, due to the multiple incidences and nature of world interactions and politics of the 21^st century. It is clear that the neoliberal globalisation has not improved the general condition of people and their interactions, and has not freed societies from conflict, hostility, exclusion and discrimination . The new global hegemony has allowed for the expansion of anti-Islamic discourse, with Muslim populations finding themselves increasingly encoded as the new ‘evil other’ . One of the main contributing forces to the increase in Islamophobia is the media, through the multiple platforms that present powerful channels for information and ultimately opinions to spread and cultivate in society . Due to the reaction that prevailed following the September 11 attacks, a significant shift was seen, with prejudices towards Islam becoming more common. In a world of free media, where freedom of speech is a defining factor, the circulation of misinformed and prejudiced . information is inevitable, and has ultimately allowed for the spread of Islamophobia. The media’s use of ambiguous and duplicitous words and ways allow for public speculation and the spread of often misinformed and prejudiced sentiments towards Muslim people.

In particular, social media has provided a significant platform for the expression of anti-Islamic sentiments, providing a powerful outlet for racist and xenophobic hate messages. The Islamophobia in Europe report identifies that in 2014, the UNAR (National Office Against Racial Discrimination) recorded 347 cases of racist expressions on social networks.

The role of the Catholic Church in Italy, which promotes a welcoming and inclusive culture towards immigrants has been significantly contradicted with the support that has been present to anti-Islamic ideals within Italy .

Current legislations that are in place in Italy are contributing to the anti-Islamic sentiments, particularly those that make the migrant position in the country precarious. This includes the ‘Bossi-Fini’ law on immigration which introduced criminal sanctions for persons who are caught illegally entering the country , creating a sense of hostility against migrants.

Incidences

Anti-Islamic incidences have occurred within and around Italy for decades, however their severity and frequency has significantly increased since September 11 2001. The psychosis amongst the general population of the possibility of a terrorist attack is becoming increasingly high in Italy and Europe in general, due in part to the many incidences related to Islamic terrorism in surrounding countries, including the attacks in Nice, Rouen, Reutlingen and Berlin. Despite these attacks being perpetrated by a small minority of extremists, it has led to a widespread consensus and prejudice of Islam as a violent religion, and has contributed to various anti-Islamic incidences.

Within Italy

Various anti-Islamic incidences have occurred within Italy in recent years, both of violent and non-violent nature. This includes various forms of vandalism and threats throughout the country .

Surrounding

This section will detail some of the anti-Islamic incidences that have occurred in countries surrounding Italy, such as France and Germany.

Responses

Negative

The Lega Nord, which is a right-wing political party in Italy, has increasingly been linked to anti-Islamic discourse since 2001 . Multiple significant Lega representatives have been involved in a number of infamous incidents which prompted protests by the Italian public. In 2016, a controversial legislative issue occurred with the adoption of a regional law that regulated the construction of new placed of worship, including mosques. This is a clear breach of the fundamental right of religious freedom which is enshrined in the Italian constitution, and was dubbed the “Anti-Mosque Law”. Furthermore, the ban of burkinis on some beaches in France was discussed by many leaders in Italy as a regulation that should be introduced.

Positive

There have been multiple initiatives undertaken by the Italian government and other institutions to render the anti-Islamic sentiments present in society. This includes suggestions presented by government representatives to introduce practices and measures that support and promote equality amongst the population and a reduction in prejudicial attitudes towards the Muslim population.

Measures taken to suppress the spread of Islamophobia through the media in particular in social media platforms are shown through the work of the UNARs Media and Social Network Observatory on hate speech .