Combating Islamophobia Through Responsible Journalism, Marya Buhazzaa, 202318160.

1. COMBATTING
ISLAMOPHOBIA
THROUGH
RESPONSIBLE
JOURNALISM
Marya Buhazzaa – 202318160
Professor Ivan Stanojević

2. Causes of
Islamophobia
■ The main cause of Islamophobia in the Muslim
community is misconceptions and stereotypes.
■ Misinformation and a lack of accurate knowledge
have resulted in a lack of understanding and
misconceptions about Islam.
■ A poll done in December 2015 by
YouGov/HuffPost's found that 52% of Americans do
not understand Islam. Furthermore, over 35% of
them say that they have an unfavorable view of
Islam (Rizvi, 2017).

3. Media’s role in shaping public opinion
■ Through unfair portrayal in the media, negative
stereotypes continue.
■ Following the November attacks in Paris, CNN
presenter John Vause said, "Why is it that no
one within the Muslim community there in
France knew what these guys were up to? …
Surely, someone beyond the seven guys who
have been killed over the last 48 hours would
have to have known something, and that was
probably within the Muslim community, but yet
no one said anything." He went on to say, "I've
yet to hear the condemnation from the Muslim
community on this."
■ To prevent prejudice and violence, critical
evaluation of the media's reporting is critical.

4. The role of responsible journalism
■ Responsible journalism is an important tool in
combating Islamophobia.
■ As truth seekers, digital journalists participate in
fact-checking, collaboration, and education.
■ Their actions help to make society more informed
and accepting.

5. Building an accepting society
Correct misconceptions, challenge preconceptions, and
promote understanding in the media.
Encourage people to support responsible
journalism to eliminate stereotypes and
misconceptions.

6. References:
■ Lopez, G. (2015). TV media's most Islamophobic moments in 2015, in one infuriating video. Vox.
https://www.vox.com/2015/12/30/10690120/islamophobia-fox-news-cnn-2015
■ Simons-Rudolph, A. (2019). The concept of diversity – SCRAs position. Community Psychology: Social Justice Through Collaborative
Research and Action. https://www.communitypsychology.com/the-concept-of-diversity-ceras-position/
■ Rizvi, K. (2017). What’s missing in the teaching of Islam. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education/educational-
technology-and-practice/educational-practice/how-can-we-improve-teaching-about-islam
■ Moore, P. (2015). Most Americans dislike Islam. YouGov. https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/14114-most-americans-dislike-
islam?redirect_from=%2Fnews%2F2015%2F12%2F09%2Fmost-americans-dislike-islam%2F
■ Team, J., & Team, J. (2021). Responsible Journalism: Definition | J-Ethinomics. J-Ethinomics. https://www.j-
ethinomics.org/responsible-journalism-definition/
■ Bergh, N. (2020). Which social media outlets are right for you? - Mr. WPress. Mr. WPress. https://www.mrwpress.com/which-social-
media-outlets/
■ Tobak, S. (2018). In defense of the mainstream media. Steve Tobak. https://stevetobak.com/2018/01/26/defense-mainstream-media/
■ ENAR. (2022, March 17). Islamophobia - European Network against Racism. European Network Against Racism. https://www.enar-
eu.org/about/islamophobia/