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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 146-166 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of Muslims in Europe |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- Islam
- terrorism
- violent extremism
- securitization
- Islamophobia
- media
- Muslim voice
- essentialism