BEYOND BURQAS, BOMBS, AND BOGEYMEN: AUSTRALIAN MUSLIMS AND THE MEDIA

Abstract

This article draws upon the personal and broader experience of living as an Australian Muslim in a climate of Islamophobia perpetuated by media and politics. From the personal context to the sociological drivers of stereotypes, media trends and rhetoric from politicians, this article examines multiple angles from which anti-Muslim discourse has often become codified patriotism. The impact of Islamophobia in terms of violence exacted on Australian Muslims is examined as a consequence of this. This article concludes that State culpability needs to be recognised, in order for appropriate responsibility to be taken to remedy the consequences of demonisation. Further, journalists who fuel hate speech with irresponsible and biased reporting must be held accountable. A recommendation is made for Australian Muslims to be given a platform in mainstream media in order to regularly convey their experiences, expressing an authentic narrative to counter the manufactured one.