Muslims Denouncing Violent Extremism: Competing Essentialisms of Islam in Dutch Public Debate

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Abstract

This article explores statements made by Dutch Muslims against violent extremism, and explains these statements in the context of the growing pressure exerted on Muslim minorities in Europe to present themselves as peaceful and loyal citizens. It problematises the often-repeated call on Muslims to denounce terrorism, and reveals that Dutch Muslims have condemned violent extremism more often than is commonly acknowledged. However, essentialist statements about Islam as a violent religion often provoke competing essentialisms of Islam as a ‘religion of peace’. In analysing such statements as ‘performative performances’, the author demonstrates how public debate about violent extremism feeds into Muslim perceptions of what Islam ‘really’ is.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)146-166
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of Muslims in Europe
Volume7
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Islam
  • terrorism
  • violent extremism
  • securitization
  • Islamophobia
  • media
  • Muslim voice
  • essentialism

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