STIGMATIZED IDENTITIES: ISLAM BE/COMING RACIALIZED IN WESTERN HEGEMONIC DISCOURSE

Abstract

“A discourse can be both an instrument and an effect of power” (Foucault, 1998)

This study is undertaken to ascertain public and private sphere of Islamic identity formation and the way in which it is transcribed in the realm of western hegemonic discourses. For last three decades, there has been considerable increase in representation of Islam in the West. Drawing on Foucauldian discourse analysis this study analyzes the discursive practices of western discourses on Islam and terrorism. I use the metaphor of stigma to accentuate distorted image of Islam and hatred against Muslims. In the wake of ‘war on terror’ the racialization of Islam and/or Muslim in avowedly western discourse became more intense. Anti-islam/muslim sentiments are inculcated among non-muslims through media and other dominant discourses so as to stigmatize Islam and thereby provoking religious and cultural hatred worldwide and causing islamophobia/xenophobia.