Chicago – August 11, 2024
Fears spread over the city as Islamophobic and racist riots took place in the wake of the killing of three young girls in Southport, less than one hour’s drive from London.
Rumours on social media falsely claimed that the suspect was a Muslim and an asylum seeker. The disinformation, since neither is true, fuelled the worst bout of violence to hit the nation in years.
The riots, which took place in dozens of areas, have been extinguished thanks to the thousands of antiracism protesters who outnumbered them in a show of solidarity with those affected. Police have handed heavy sentences to rioters, which has also dissuaded others from joining in.
But several Liverpudlians, and many other Britons, are now questioning years of integration.
On Friday, a holy day for Muslims, fewer women are attending prayers at their local mosques across the United Kingdom. Those who dare out are exchanging safety tips. Move in groups, avoid crowds, keep your car windows closed.
Over the years, mainstream politics and some media soaked up that narrative which paved the way for the “normalisation of an Islamophobic rhetoric” in the UK and therefore the dehumanisation of Muslims which needs to be addressed.
