Interview with Dr. Ineke van der Valk about “Monitor Moslim Discriminatie”
Hi all,
This evening I would like to introduce you to the new research written
by the Islamophobia expert from the Netherlands Dr. Ineke van der Valk of the
University of Amsterdam about Islamophobia in the Netherlands. It is entitled
“Monitor Moslim Discriminatie”.
by the Islamophobia expert from the Netherlands Dr. Ineke van der Valk of the
University of Amsterdam about Islamophobia in the Netherlands. It is entitled
“Monitor Moslim Discriminatie”.
As you already know, we had translated her previous work about
Islamophobia in the Netherlands, entitled “Islamofobie en Discriminatie“, into
German and Italian.
Islamophobia in the Netherlands, entitled “Islamofobie en Discriminatie“, into
German and Italian.
For more information about the author see here:
For the German and Italian translation see here:
The new report can be downloaded in Dutch from here:
Hereby we are mentioning the English summary, before giving the word to
the author we interviewed about her new report.
the author we interviewed about her new report.
The present
report Monitor Muslim Discrimination is my
second publication on
report Monitor Muslim Discrimination is my
second publication on
islamophobia
in the Netherlands. It discusses the Dutch situation from where the first
report
in the Netherlands. It discusses the Dutch situation from where the first
report
ended, in particular
the time period after 2011. The underlying research project builds on this
the time period after 2011. The underlying research project builds on this
earlier
research. It is part of a longitudinal Monitor project that collects data,
analyses this
research. It is part of a longitudinal Monitor project that collects data,
analyses this
phenomenon
and highlights contexts and backgrounds. The objectives of this project are:
and highlights contexts and backgrounds. The objectives of this project are:
1. to
increase insight into islamophobia as a form of racism, its causes, incidence,
increase insight into islamophobia as a form of racism, its causes, incidence,
impact and
consequences;
consequences;
2. to
obtain public and official recognition of islamophobia as a separate form of
obtain public and official recognition of islamophobia as a separate form of
discrimination
comparable to anti-Semitism, in order to better monitor it in the
comparable to anti-Semitism, in order to better monitor it in the
future;
3. to
contribute to the development of counter policies and practices to be used by
contribute to the development of counter policies and practices to be used by
municipalities,
national governments, civil society organizations and the public at
national governments, civil society organizations and the public at
large.
These
objectives are achieved through data gathering, secondary analysis of research
data of
objectives are achieved through data gathering, secondary analysis of research
data of
academic
and specialized institutes, empirical in-depth research on specific issues
(desk
and specialized institutes, empirical in-depth research on specific issues
(desk
research,
interviews, surveys), dissemination of research outcomes via lectures, academic
interviews, surveys), dissemination of research outcomes via lectures, academic
conferences,
(press)interview and advocacy activities and through contributing to capacity building
(press)interview and advocacy activities and through contributing to capacity building
by
empowering ethnic minority civil society organizations with knowledge, insight
empowering ethnic minority civil society organizations with knowledge, insight
and policy
recommendations. The idea behind it is in short that hate speech and acts must
recommendations. The idea behind it is in short that hate speech and acts must
not take
place without reply based on facts and voice.
place without reply based on facts and voice.
Although it
has sometimes been claimed that the Netherlands is ‘the front line in the clash
of
has sometimes been claimed that the Netherlands is ‘the front line in the clash
of
civilizations’,
islamophobia is not only a Dutch but equally a European and international
islamophobia is not only a Dutch but equally a European and international
problem.
Everywhere in the western world extremist actors abuse existing economic and
Everywhere in the western world extremist actors abuse existing economic and
social
crises to set Muslims apart and make them scapegoats. This research project is
crises to set Muslims apart and make them scapegoats. This research project is
therefore
equally relevant for international audiences of scholars, politicians, policy
makers
equally relevant for international audiences of scholars, politicians, policy
makers
and ethnic
minority communities, in particular for its for its assistance in shaping
policies.
minority communities, in particular for its for its assistance in shaping
policies.
This report
discusses the phenomenon of Islamophobia in a number of ways in which it is
discusses the phenomenon of Islamophobia in a number of ways in which it is
expressed
in the Netherlands. In the first instance and more theoretically inspired, it
looks at
in the Netherlands. In the first instance and more theoretically inspired, it
looks at
both the
concept and the phenomenon of islamophobia as a form of racism. Racism and
concept and the phenomenon of islamophobia as a form of racism. Racism and
islamophobia
are contested social phenomena and thus controversial concepts that evoke
are contested social phenomena and thus controversial concepts that evoke
public
debate. A clear definition may help the acceptance and normalization of the
concept.
debate. A clear definition may help the acceptance and normalization of the
concept.
After this
short theoretical introduction, an assessment is given of how Islam/Muslims are
short theoretical introduction, an assessment is given of how Islam/Muslims are
viewed in
the Netherlands. This is done historically on the basis of a comprehensive
study of
the Netherlands. This is done historically on the basis of a comprehensive
study of
their
representation in history. Subsequently a number of surveys of contemporary
attitudes
representation in history. Subsequently a number of surveys of contemporary
attitudes
towards
Islam/Muslims are critically discussed. A separate chapter reports findings of
Islam/Muslims are critically discussed. A separate chapter reports findings of
studies
about attitudes and discriminatory practices of youngsters and secondary school
about attitudes and discriminatory practices of youngsters and secondary school
pupils, as
well as findings about the representation of Muslims in textbooks and
stereotypes
well as findings about the representation of Muslims in textbooks and
stereotypes
that
teachers come across in educational practices. Almost two in three secondary
school
teachers come across in educational practices. Almost two in three secondary
school
teachers
report to have witnessed cases of Muslim discrimination in their classes. The
report to have witnessed cases of Muslim discrimination in their classes. The
educational
needs of teachers, for themselves and their pupils, in relation to these issues
are
needs of teachers, for themselves and their pupils, in relation to these issues
are
equally
discussed.
discussed.
The
changing image of the Netherlands from a country of tolerance to a country of
changing image of the Netherlands from a country of tolerance to a country of
intolerance
that has evolved in the last decade, is mainly due to the politics of Geert
Wilders
that has evolved in the last decade, is mainly due to the politics of Geert
Wilders
and his
PVV. Expressions of Islamophobia and discrimination in the political and public
PVV. Expressions of Islamophobia and discrimination in the political and public
arena by
the PVV are also covered. They show that not only Islam (and thus Muslims) are
the PVV are also covered. They show that not only Islam (and thus Muslims) are
targeted
using a ‘policy of small steps’, each time claiming more restrictions on
using a ‘policy of small steps’, each time claiming more restrictions on
manifestations
of the Islamic religion, but his discourse increasingly targets immigrants and
of the Islamic religion, but his discourse increasingly targets immigrants and
in
particular Moroccans, in more general racist terms. An increase of mobilization
outside
particular Moroccans, in more general racist terms. An increase of mobilization
outside
parliament
for social action in neighbourhoods against the presence of mosques is equally
for social action in neighbourhoods against the presence of mosques is equally
evident.
Since the
collapse of the last government in 2012, political leadership, mainstream
political
collapse of the last government in 2012, political leadership, mainstream
political
parties and
civil society actors have not only increasingly distanced themselves from and
civil society actors have not only increasingly distanced themselves from and
protested
against the PVV and its discourse on Muslims, but have also taken concrete
action.
against the PVV and its discourse on Muslims, but have also taken concrete
action.
The
sometimes ambivalent stance of mainstream political parties towards
islamophobia is
sometimes ambivalent stance of mainstream political parties towards
islamophobia is
equally
discussed as are the changing attitudes and policies of the Dutch government
that
discussed as are the changing attitudes and policies of the Dutch government
that
show a
growing awareness of the danger of islamophobia. Wilders and the PVV are
gradually
growing awareness of the danger of islamophobia. Wilders and the PVV are
gradually
becoming
isolated at the political level. They are more and more turning to alliances
with
isolated at the political level. They are more and more turning to alliances
with
traditional
right-wing extremist political parties, not only formally at the level of
European
right-wing extremist political parties, not only formally at the level of
European
Union
politics, but also more informally and back
stage in the Netherlands where these
politics, but also more informally and back
stage in the Netherlands where these
groups are
small but try to increase membership and mobilize support by building upon the
small but try to increase membership and mobilize support by building upon the
success of
the PVV and imitating its discourse.
the PVV and imitating its discourse.
Data on
discrimination in general and of Muslims in particular from different
institutions
discrimination in general and of Muslims in particular from different
institutions
and
specialised agencies, from press articles and court cases show that it is a
difficult task to
specialised agencies, from press articles and court cases show that it is a
difficult task to
present an
accurate report on the ‘state of the art’ knowledge on these issues in the
accurate report on the ‘state of the art’ knowledge on these issues in the
Netherlands.
Institutions, organisations and academics depend on notifications and reports
Institutions, organisations and academics depend on notifications and reports
by victims
or – in addition – they have to do empirical research themselves. It is
striking to
or – in addition – they have to do empirical research themselves. It is
striking to
see the gap
between the discrimination experienced, as it is reported in surveys on the one
between the discrimination experienced, as it is reported in surveys on the one
hand and on
the other hand, the numbers of complaints and reports to the police and
the other hand, the numbers of complaints and reports to the police and
antidiscrimination
agencies as well as the incidents reported in the media. Considering the
agencies as well as the incidents reported in the media. Considering the
large
number of media releases on topics related to the multicultural society and
interethnic
number of media releases on topics related to the multicultural society and
interethnic
relations,
only very few report on discrimination of Muslims. Hence it is important not to
only very few report on discrimination of Muslims. Hence it is important not to
focus too
much on numbers and statistics of reported acts of discrimination alone. In
much on numbers and statistics of reported acts of discrimination alone. In
particular,
qualitative analyses are lacking. This holds for discrimination and racism in
qualitative analyses are lacking. This holds for discrimination and racism in
general and
the more so for discrimination on the basis of the Islamic faith and Muslim
the more so for discrimination on the basis of the Islamic faith and Muslim
background.
This topic is, sometimes more or sometimes less, underreported or made more
This topic is, sometimes more or sometimes less, underreported or made more
or less
invisible, using number- and category games.
invisible, using number- and category games.
Finally an
overview is provided of acts of violence against the presence of Islamic places
of
overview is provided of acts of violence against the presence of Islamic places
of
worship
that have been perpetrated in the last decade. For the first time
administrators of
that have been perpetrated in the last decade. For the first time
administrators of
mosques are
asked to report their experiences and give their opinions on this issue. This
asked to report their experiences and give their opinions on this issue. This
study is
based on a survey of them, on in-depth interviews with some of them, on
informal
based on a survey of them, on in-depth interviews with some of them, on
informal
discussions
with representatives of organizations as well as on desk research. It gives an
with representatives of organizations as well as on desk research. It gives an
informative
insight into the situation related to violent incidents against mosques, its
insight into the situation related to violent incidents against mosques, its
prevalence,
character and effects. The outcome of this study is that an estimated more than
character and effects. The outcome of this study is that an estimated more than
one third
(39 %) of the 475 mosques in the Netherlands have been the target of
(39 %) of the 475 mosques in the Netherlands have been the target of
discriminatory
aggression in the last decade. Another one third (30 %) did not experience
aggression in the last decade. Another one third (30 %) did not experience
discriminatory
aggression. Of the last one third (29 %) it is not known if they have been
aggression. Of the last one third (29 %) it is not known if they have been
targeted. Discriminatory
incidents that occurred took place in mosques all over the country
incidents that occurred took place in mosques all over the country
but more in
medium sized and small municipalities than in big cities. The number of
medium sized and small municipalities than in big cities. The number of
incidents
in 2013-2014 were relatively high and often serious in character, such as the
ten
in 2013-2014 were relatively high and often serious in character, such as the
ten
cases of
arson. Mosques that may be identified as such, e.g. by a minaret, are more
easily
arson. Mosques that may be identified as such, e.g. by a minaret, are more
easily
targeted
than places of worship in more general buildings that were previously used for
other
than places of worship in more general buildings that were previously used for
other
functions.
In particular new mosques or those that are being renovated or under
construction
In particular new mosques or those that are being renovated or under
construction
are more
often targeted. It is not excluded that perpetrators feel encouraged by the
often targeted. It is not excluded that perpetrators feel encouraged by the
islamophobic
discourse and actions of the PVV and related movements.
discourse and actions of the PVV and related movements.
Of 84
mosque organisations that have answered the questionnaire of the survey on
mosque organisations that have answered the questionnaire of the survey on
islamophobic
aggression against them two third (68 %) had experienced such aggression
aggression against them two third (68 %) had experienced such aggression
while one
third (32 %) had not. This is a remarkably high percentage. 19 of them reported
third (32 %) had not. This is a remarkably high percentage. 19 of them reported
having
experienced aggression in the last year,17 in the last five years and 17 in the
last ten
experienced aggression in the last year,17 in the last five years and 17 in the
last ten
years.
Smashing windows occurs most frequently (66%). In addition there have been many
Smashing windows occurs most frequently (66%). In addition there have been many
cases of
arson (38%) and graffiti (39 %). Also threatening telephone calls and emails
occurred
arson (38%) and graffiti (39 %). Also threatening telephone calls and emails
occurred
(16%). The
depositing of remains of pigs or sheep (heads/ legs/blood) (13 %) occurred too
as
depositing of remains of pigs or sheep (heads/ legs/blood) (13 %) occurred too
as
well as
aggression against employees of the mosque (5%). Other incidents that occurred
more
aggression against employees of the mosque (5%). Other incidents that occurred
more
incidentally
were the throwing of eggs or bottles, stealing a camera, putting pornographic
were the throwing of eggs or bottles, stealing a camera, putting pornographic
photographs
or videos in the post-box, removing flags and dropping a suitcase with a (fake)
or videos in the post-box, removing flags and dropping a suitcase with a (fake)
bomb.
Altogether 57 respondents reported 118 incidents/ acts of violence and
aggression.
Altogether 57 respondents reported 118 incidents/ acts of violence and
aggression.
In addition
to the resulting material damage (85 %) a majority reported psychological
to the resulting material damage (85 %) a majority reported psychological
damage too
(58 %) while 11% reported physical damage. Although 27 % of all interviewees
(58 %) while 11% reported physical damage. Although 27 % of all interviewees
fears
aggression in the near future there is no overall climate of anxiety. A
majority of the
aggression in the near future there is no overall climate of anxiety. A
majority of the
interviewees
reported a general hostile attitude towards Muslims/Islam as the main motive
reported a general hostile attitude towards Muslims/Islam as the main motive
for aggression.
Only 13 % of the mosques that were targeted did not report it to the police
Only 13 % of the mosques that were targeted did not report it to the police
while only
very few reported to antidiscrimination agencies. Thus unexpectedly a high
very few reported to antidiscrimination agencies. Thus unexpectedly a high
number (85
%) did report to the police, although for many of them (51 %) with
disappointing
%) did report to the police, although for many of them (51 %) with
disappointing
results.
The police did not seem interested, did not do anything or only after a long
delay. In
The police did not seem interested, did not do anything or only after a long
delay. In
65 % the
mosques had no information at all about the perpetrators. The mosques that were
mosques had no information at all about the perpetrators. The mosques that were
targeted
not only reacted by reporting to the police but also engaged in discussion with
local
not only reacted by reporting to the police but also engaged in discussion with
local
authorities
(46 %), organised a meeting with the faithful to inform them and discuss how to
(46 %), organised a meeting with the faithful to inform them and discuss how to
react (30
%), informed the press (22 %) and organized security procedures (35 %). When
%), informed the press (22 %) and organized security procedures (35 %). When
asked about
the causes of aggression interviewees pointed to political propaganda (74 %),
the causes of aggression interviewees pointed to political propaganda (74 %),
prejudiced
media messages (76 %), lack of knowledge about Islam and Muslims (78 %),
media messages (76 %), lack of knowledge about Islam and Muslims (78 %),
reactions
to terrorist attacks (53 %) and international developments (42 %). As a
solution
to terrorist attacks (53 %) and international developments (42 %). As a
solution
they
emphasized that the general public should get better information and they
pointed to a
emphasized that the general public should get better information and they
pointed to a
need for
dialogue and education. They did multiple suggestions about what the mosques
dialogue and education. They did multiple suggestions about what the mosques
could do to
establish more harmonious relations. They also pointed to the necessity for
media
establish more harmonious relations. They also pointed to the necessity for
media
and
politics to assume their responsibility to counter prejudices and give more
objective
politics to assume their responsibility to counter prejudices and give more
objective
information.
In addition
to the aggression against the mosques, 22 % of the interviewees experienced
to the aggression against the mosques, 22 % of the interviewees experienced
islamophobic
or racist aggression directed against themselves and 46 % knew of people with
or racist aggression directed against themselves and 46 % knew of people with
such
experiences. In 64 % these incidents of discrimination were not reported to the
police.
experiences. In 64 % these incidents of discrimination were not reported to the
police.
Notice that
this percentage of non-reporting to the police is much higher than the reporting
this percentage of non-reporting to the police is much higher than the reporting
of
incidents against mosques. It illustrates the high value that is given to the
mosques and
incidents against mosques. It illustrates the high value that is given to the
mosques and
how
aggression against them is experienced as an act of not only discrimination but
aggression against them is experienced as an act of not only discrimination but
desecration
as well.
as well.
The report
concludes with a reflection and recommendations.
concludes with a reflection and recommendations.
Thank you all for reading and sharing to oppose to Islamophobia in
Europe, and to say NO to religious, ethnic, and cultural discrimination of all
kind.
Europe, and to say NO to religious, ethnic, and cultural discrimination of all
kind.
Thank you
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi – ProMosaik e.V.
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: What has changed in the Netherlands since
your old book?
your old book?
Dr. Ineke van der Valk: The government has changed. PVV is now in the
opposition and no longer supports the government which it used to do in
2009-2011. The PVV radicalized (see chapter on PVV, p. 32-39); the rise of IS and
its terror adds to a breeding ground for prejudices and discrimination against
Muslims. The incidence on discriminatory violence against mosques has
relatively speaking high in 2013-2014: 55 incidents in 39 mosques (see chapter
6).
opposition and no longer supports the government which it used to do in
2009-2011. The PVV radicalized (see chapter on PVV, p. 32-39); the rise of IS and
its terror adds to a breeding ground for prejudices and discrimination against
Muslims. The incidence on discriminatory violence against mosques has
relatively speaking high in 2013-2014: 55 incidents in 39 mosques (see chapter
6).
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: What are the most important objectives you
would like to reach with this second publication about Islamophobia in the
Netherlands?
would like to reach with this second publication about Islamophobia in the
Netherlands?
Dr. Ineke
van der Valk:
van der Valk:
The
objectives of this project are:
objectives of this project are:
1. to
increase insight into islamophobia as a form of racism, its causes, incidence,
increase insight into islamophobia as a form of racism, its causes, incidence,
impact and
consequences;
consequences;
2. to
obtain public and official recognition of islamophobia as a separate form of
obtain public and official recognition of islamophobia as a separate form of
discrimination
comparable to anti-Semitism, in order to better monitor it in the
comparable to anti-Semitism, in order to better monitor it in the
future;
3. to
contribute to the development of counter policies and practices to be used by
contribute to the development of counter policies and practices to be used by
municipalities,
national governments, civil society organizations and the public at
national governments, civil society organizations and the public at
large.
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: How important are the studies about
Islamophobia in Europe and why?
Islamophobia in Europe and why?
Dr. Ineke van der Valk: Muslim discrimination and underlying ideologies
are often denied, downplayed and depolitized. Studies may highlight the
phenomenon in order to gain insight, knowledge about its structure, prevalence,
cause and effects. In order to better deal with it
are often denied, downplayed and depolitized. Studies may highlight the
phenomenon in order to gain insight, knowledge about its structure, prevalence,
cause and effects. In order to better deal with it
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: How can we promote a culture of acceptance
and respect between Islam and the Western culture?
and respect between Islam and the Western culture?
Dr. Ineke van der Valk: Creating a culture of openness, acceptance,
tolerance, contact between different social groups (religious or not),
dialogue, information and knowledge about all world religions.
tolerance, contact between different social groups (religious or not),
dialogue, information and knowledge about all world religions.
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: How does a culture of tolerance avoid
radicalization of Muslims?
radicalization of Muslims?
Dr. Ineke van der Valk: When people, in particular youngsters, feel
accepted they do not need to flight/ seek refuge into lethal ideologies.
accepted they do not need to flight/ seek refuge into lethal ideologies.
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: What have you reached with your studies about
Islamophobia and what do you want to achieve in the next future?
Islamophobia and what do you want to achieve in the next future?
Dr. Ineke van der Valk: My research has been essential in putting the
issue on the media and political agenda’s in the Netherlands; compared to the
situation before 2011 there are now many social actors working in this field
(CSO’s ). Together we are working for solutions. See also p. 43-45 concerning
the changes in politics of the government
issue on the media and political agenda’s in the Netherlands; compared to the
situation before 2011 there are now many social actors working in this field
(CSO’s ). Together we are working for solutions. See also p. 43-45 concerning
the changes in politics of the government
Dr. phil. Milena Rampoldi: Why is the exchange of data and experience
between the Netherlands and Germany so important to oppose to Islamophobia?
between the Netherlands and Germany so important to oppose to Islamophobia?
Dr. Ineke van der Valk: Not only with Germany but with other European
countries as well (see p 66-67). It is not only a Dutch but a European and even
western and international problem, comparative work is necessary.
countries as well (see p 66-67). It is not only a Dutch but a European and even
western and international problem, comparative work is necessary.
