Violence/Hate Crimes/Victimization
- Darlene Edgar
Analytics
Mercier-Dalphond, G., & Helly, D. (2021). Anti-Muslim violence, hate crime, and victimization in Canada: A study of five Canadian cities. Canadian Ethnic Studies, 53(1), N.PAG. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=a9h&AN=148989473&custid=s7439054
Study Overview:
Conducted in 2019, interviewing 51 individuals who identified as Muslim and experienced hate crimes or gestures in public spaces.
Research focused on five Canadian cities: Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
Canadian law criminalizes advocating genocide, inciting hatred, or promoting hatred against identifiable groups.
Hate incidents targeted individuals based on socio-cultural characteristics, with daily harassment having serious impacts.
Nature of Anti-Muslim Victimization:
Islamophobia, termed "nativism," seeks to protect native population interests against immigrants.
Majority of studies on victimization focus on race rather than Islamophobia.
Incidents often involve women wearing hijab, niqab, or burqa, resulting in verbal, physical, and sexual harassment.
Victims, predominantly women, experience declining self-esteem and alter behaviors to avoid further victimization.
Lack of institutional support exacerbates feelings of victimization and marginalization.
Historical Context and Migration Patterns:
Muslim population in Canada grew significantly since the 1960s due to changes in immigration policies.
Early immigrants faced racial violence and discrimination, with distinct minority status until the 1960s.
Policies promoting multiculturalism aimed to integrate immigrants but didn't eradicate racism.
Quebec's proposed laws aimed at identity protection have made Muslim immigrants feel different and marginalized.
Incidence and Characteristics of Hate Crimes:
Semi-structured interviews revealed verbal harassment, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats of violence as common.
Aggressors, typically white males, target victims in public spaces like transit, stores, and cafes.
Fear of hate crimes leads to altered schedules and behaviors among victims, particularly hijabi women.
Impact and Coping Mechanisms:
Victims experience emotional distress, fear, and loss of safety, affecting their daily lives and sense of belonging.
Quebec City mosque shooting heightened feelings of insecurity, especially in places of worship.
Coping mechanisms include resilience, community support, and adaptation of routines to avoid victimization.
Recommendations and Responses:
Need for dialogue, education, and recognition of diversity to combat Islamophobia.
Calls for government acknowledgment of Islamophobia, hate crime legislation, and removal of discriminatory laws like Quebec's Bill 21.
Emphasis on community engagement, political participation, and security reinforcement to prevent hate crimes and support victims.
Resistance and resilience efforts include education campaigns, online support platforms, and community workshops.
Challenges and Future Directions:
Difficulty in defining and assessing hate incidents due to underreporting and societal acceptance.
Muslim population lacks political power to influence government agendas effectively.
Need for comprehensive measures to combat online hate speech, support victims, and promote social cohesion.