Public institutions and Islam A New Stigmatization?

Abstract

Since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 Islam has become increasingly associated with intolerance and violence in public debates in Europe. However, in the aftermath of 9/11 'good' images of Islam have also been highlighted in opposition to 'bad' Islam. Governments and political parties in various European countries, including France and the UK, along with the stigmatization and criminalization of 'bad' Islam, have contributed to the elaboration of this more 'positive' imagery. The differences between French and British approaches in this process of 'othering' towards Islam are much less real than they are often believed to be.