Islamophobia:
Prejudice With a Twist

By Rosalie M. LoPinto, 11.29.06

The growth of adherents to Islam has been in keeping with an increase in Islamophobia. The term covers a wide range of feelings on the part of non-Muslims, ranging
from general negative feelings toward Islamic people to outright hatred.

A study by Faith Communities Today found that between 1990 and 2000 the number of mosques in the United States increased by 42 percent. These places of worship serve an estimated U.S. Muslim population of between five and eight million, according to islam101.com.


“I wouldn’t say that I’m afraid of them, but I’m certainly suspicious. I don’t know who and how many are sincerely for us. How many really love America and the freedom that it stands for,” said Susan Plamondon, whose Pawtucket, R.I., florist is next door to a business owned by Nigerian Muslims.

Renee Arena, who witnessed the second plane going into the World Trade Center, isn’t giving in to what she considers irrational fear.

“In general, I don’t associate Muslims with terrorism. Personally, nothing has been brought to my attention to put a fear in me. I’m more worried about global warming and the environment than what Muslims in America are up to.”

Yet, Arena admits to a concern about terrorism whenever there is disturbance on the subway she rides to her job in Manhattan. She also admits to that she believes there is a link between terrorism and radical Islam.

Carolynne Keskinen’s husband travels into New York City every day from their home in York, PA, where they relocated not long after the 9/11 attack.

“By and large, I don’t believe we have anything to fear from the average Muslim person,” Keskinen said. “I do believe, though, that there are cell groups in this country, consisting of radical Muslims, that would like to do us harm.”

Still Keskinen said she chooses not to live in a state of paranoia.

“I know there is a possibility that something could happen but that’s where my faith comes into the picture,” she said. “Jesus said that we should be of good cheer because he has overcome the world. As Christians we should have peace and confidence that no matter what happens, he is going to bring us through.”

A born-again Christian, Keskinen will go out of her way to show kindness to someone who she learns is a Muslim.

“I will try to be especially helpful and kind. I would never want someone to feel that I didn’t like them or that I was afraid of them, simply because they are followers of the Islamic faith,” she said. “I want to show them the love of Christ.”

Plamondon feels in a world where there are very real threats of violence, people must remain open minded.

“You have to be open in your evaluation of people,” Plamondon said. “I like to give people a chance and not be too suspicious. More often than not, the people I meet will be good people.”