Date of Award
8-2005
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. Vincent Lyon-Callo
Second Advisor
Dr. Robert Ulin
Third Advisor
Dr. David Ede
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This paper is an ethnographic investigation of Muslim American perceptions of social marginalization in the United States as a by-product of various governmental and media forces, with the Kalamazoo, MI community being the regional focus. The existence of the violence-crazed zealot Muslim stereotype has had social repercussions for Muslims living in America. The first part of this research looks at the development of Muslim stereotypes before 9/11. The second half of this paper discuses the results from interviews with local Muslims Americans who have given me their perspective on prejudice against Islam in the United States.
The oral accounts provided will be used to highlight a personal perspective of how different aspects of American society contribute to bias against Islam. We each see the great narrative of our times from one vantage point and must endeavor to understand the viewpoints of others in order to benefit from "what they see". This effort will give a voice to a generation of Muslims in America that have up to this point lain far too silent during the most crucial of social periods in addition to highlighting some of the subjective aspects of racial prejudice.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Dhiren, "People Without Voice: Perceptions of Social Bias Against Muslims in the United States" (2005). Masters Theses. 3915.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3915