Evening wrap-upIn light of the recent wave of right-wing campaigns in Switzerland and Italy and the vitriolic rhetoric periodically emanating from commentators across Europe, I asked Dr. Laurence and Dr. Vaisse whether today’s bans and tighter immigration standards foreshadowed more ominous future state action against foreigners in general and Muslims in particular. Both experts, while not dismissive of my concerns, seemed confident that the events of the past few weeks were, more than anything, token gestures occasioned by upcoming elections. Dr. Laurence backed up this belief by noting that it was actually in European interests, particularly in the case of France, to encourage Islamic institutions thereby curbing the underground gatherings that breed extremism. That’s a fair point, but it may assume too much foresight on the part of European statesmen – to say nothing of ultra-conservative demagogues.
A demographic Catch-22
In non-Muslim majority countries, there exists a bit of a paradox. The smaller the Muslim community, the less public criticism they face, but the greater their alienation and lack of cohesiveness. Conversely, the larger the Muslim community, the more integrative and holistic the group’s identity becomes, but the greater the backlash against an “Islamic threat.” Even setting aside bloated demographic figures on European Muslims, leveraged by both nativist movements and select Muslim groups to buoy their political and ideological ends, it’s clear that immigration and birth rate disparities are increasingly marginalizing European “natives.” There’s every reason to believe, then, that ultra conservatives will continue targeting Muslim immigrants beyond the current election cycle. It’s likely, too, that their crusade will find a receptive and frightened European audience.
Unintended consequences and intended goals
At one point during the evening, Dr. Laurence mentioned that the minaret ban is actually garnering international sympathy and donations for Swiss Muslims. This welcomed, yet entirely unintended outcome notwithstanding, I can’t help but feel that the more menacing, and entirely deliberate goal of this sort of campaign remains quite viable. Despite being transparently xenophobic, the broad anti-immigrant movement in Europe is gaining momentum – not merely among a scared citizenry, but within the government apparatus as well.
The message in the above SVP poster is far from subtle and is clearly meant to foment fear among the general populace. It’s no wonder, then, that in several Major European cities nearly half the population has a negative perception of Muslims (source). State agencies are following suit, as evidenced not simply by the recent niqab bans, but also by the denials of citizenship even before the ban took place simply for choosing to wear the garment or encouraging a family member to do so. Given this general climate of intolerance, the discourse of Muslims failing to integrate seems disingenuous. Conversely, it’s about time to discuss whether Europe is failing its Muslims.
The road ahead
To their credit, European Muslims have remained resolute in the face of the mounting pressure from focused right-wing attacks and broad societal trends. Authoritative mosque leaders have yet to advocate a “return” to native land and their actions and rhetoric make no indication to the contrary. In part, a general call for emigration is simply impractical; many families are today firmly rooted in their European homes and, in any case, would likely struggle economically back in their country of origin. At the same time, the continuing push for citizenship and enfranchisement points to a more optimistic incentive, one that focuses on the institutionalization and advancement of a uniquely European Muslim identity.
For my part, I doubt I would ever consider moving my family to Europe – the atmosphere in America is simply more amenable to living as a Muslim. Still, considering my wife’s extended family in Sweden and my own affinity for European history, I certainly won’t forsake the continent altogether. If nothing else, visiting Paris would present me with the rare opportunity to play the angry Arab AND the arrogant American. That alone seems reason enough to book my next trip to the mainland.
Tags: Burqa, Europe, France, Islam, Islamophobia
