ISLAMOPHOBIA - From 1997 to 9/11 (2001)

Submitted by Robert (United States), Jan 2, 2022 at 21:57

Dear Dr. Daniel Pipes,

Thank you for the lead (1997 24p. "Islamophobia; Its Features and Dangers; A Consultation Paper" by Gordon Conway. I did my research on the Web for this text which you claim popularized the term "Islamophobia."

WorldCat shows that there are only 3 postings in its catalog on this title, and each is 24p. So it's a Pamphlet, rather than a book. And a quick search for the libraries that hold it shows that they are all in the UK.

But I also found a copy of the 1997 Nov. issue of the Runnymede Trust Bulletin which describes the "work."

In 1968 Runnymede Trust was established to research RACISM. However, in 1997 a Commission was set up by the UK Government to investigate Islam in the United Kingdom (UK). Obviously, Islam is a Religion, so I do not understand how an institution which involves Race was charged with reporting on Islam, the Muslim Faith.

Furthermore, there exits posted on the Web a 75 Page copy of this apparent text; I must assume that this is a Subsequent Edition (since WorldCat only shows a 24p. imprint.

Accordingly, this term - ISLAMOPHOBIA - is a British word or Neologism back then (1997), intended to describe describe the British perspective of Islam and attitudes against it, particularly in the UK.

But we experienced 9-11 on September 11, 2001, about for (4) years later. So what I wish to ask is how do Americans view Islam, and Muslims who observe and practice that faith? A Phobia is an Irrational Fear; but Fear of Islam in the USA in the Context of the 9-11 Terrorist by 19 Muslims cannot be easily categorized as Irrational by any ordinary standards, or can it?

Finally, as you must have heard, the House passed a Bill very recently - but it has not yet been approved by the Senate - by which Islamophobia is to attain the same status as Antisemitism and require our diverse government agency to take appropriate actions. So I am concerned that you may be accused and treated as an Islamophobe and our Cancel Culture will put the Middle East Forum out-of-business. Of course I'm exaggerating. Nevertheless, I think you need to update this Page on the work of AOC (of the Squad) in sponsoring this Bill:

2021 12-16 "Potentially anti-Israel legislation passes major hurdle in Congress"

"The bill, HR 5665, Combating International Islamophobia Act, which was introduced by Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), passed the house by a vote of 219-212, with all Democrats voting for the bill and all Republicans opposing it."

https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/12/16/potentially-anti-israel-legislation-passes-major-hurdle-in-congress/

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