Colonialism Root Cause of Anti-Muslim Discrimination in France: Expert
Francois Burgat, the research head at the French National Center for Scientific Research, told Anadolu how the orientalist discourse in recent years in France impacted the look on Arabs, leading to the discrimination of Muslims.
He said the Orientalist perspective is widely used by the West as well as the authoritarian leaders in other countries, including Israel.
The Orientalist comments fuel Islamophobia, Burgat argued, adding: "Orientalism and Islamophobia are tightly related. Rejecting the other stems from not knowing them."
He continued: "I do not think that rejecting Arabs and Muslims in France comes from the contention between Islam, Christianity and other religious dogmas ... I think it comes rather from France's colonial history."
Burgat also said the Muslim generation born in France does not accept the colonial mentality: "The descendants of the colonized people can now raise their voice efficiently."
Increasing the visibility of Muslims and opening Islamic centers in European capitals can contribute positively to contact with the public, Burgat opined.
"Anti-immigrant or Islamophobic discourse is much stronger in regions where immigrants and Muslims are less present," the researcher said.
"A person does not hate or fear illogically someone they meet every day. That is why the presence of uniting Muslim actors is a positive element."
Source: Anadolu Agency
