Runnymede Trust
When exploring the issue of Islamophobia The Runnymede Trust in England came up with a diagram which presents a model of open and closed views of Islam, as shown below. The model provides ideas on how the unfamiliar can and should be portrayed. Such a model may, of course, be equally applicable in other contexts and belief or within one faith comparing denominations or sects.
| Distinctions | Closed views on Islam | Open views on Islam |
|---|---|---|
| Monolithic/diverse | Islam seen as a single monolithic block, static and unresponsive to new realities | Islam seen as diverse and progressive with internal differences, debates and development |
| Separate/interacting | Islam seen as separate and
a) not having any aims or values in common with other cultures b) not affected by them c) not influencing them | Islam seen as interdependent with other faiths and cultures -
a) having certain shared values and aims b) affected by them c) enriching them |
| Inferior/different | Islam seen as inferior to the West, barbaric, irrational, primitive, sexist | Islam seen as distinctly different, but not deficient, and as equally worthy of respect |
| Enemy/partner | Islam seen as violent, aggressive, threatening, supportive of terrorism, engaged in a 'clash of the civilisations' | Islam seen as an actual or potential partner in joint co-operative enterprises and in the solution of shared problems |
| Manipulative/sincere | Islam seen as political ideology, used for political or military advantage | Islam seen as a genuine religious faith, practised sincerely by its adherents |
| Criticism of West rejected/considered | Criticism made by Islam of 'the West' rejected out of hand | Criticism of 'the West' and other cultures are considered and debated |
| Discriminating defended/criticised | Hostility towards Islam used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims from mainstream society | Debates and disagreements with Islam do not diminish efforts to combat discrimination and exclusion |
| Islamaphobic seen as natural/problematic | Anti-Muslim hostility accepted as natural and 'normal' | Critical views of Islam are themselves subjected to critique, lest they be inaccurate and unfair |
Source: Runnymede Trust (1997) Islamohpobia: A Challenge for Us All, London, Runnymede Trust
Closed views draw from stereotypes, prejudice and hostility. Open views are based on respect and foster opportunities for learningand dialogue. Such opportunities may allow for discussion, disagreement and criticism.
Anti-sectarian work would promote open views of different denominations, sects, faiths and beliefs. An anti-sectarian approach would re-orientate discussions about religion and beliefs which allows communication to flow constructively and creatively. It would also enable each group to examine the roots of prejudice within their own denominations, sects, faith or belief groups and to develop the confidence to address them.