Us versus them: The rhetoric of Muslim migrants in the UK media

By Rifana Khanum

@mattia19 from Unsplash

An increase in anti-Muslim sentiment has been observed in the UK media landscape, characterised by a prevalent “Us Versus Them” rhetoric. This mindset is part of a broader political discourse seen worldwide, which identifies certain groups as inferior to alienate them. In the UK, this theory often targets the Muslim migrant community, becoming a recurring theme in the media. Muslim migrants in UK media are often portrayed as a threat to national security or incompatible with British values and culture. This sort of rhetoric that is perpetuated by the media can shape public perception which in turn can reinforce negative stereotypes and stigmatise Muslim migrants or even cause violence against the Muslim community.  

A large proportion of migrants in the UK are Muslims, with migration serving as a significant contributor to population growth, particularly from countries experiencing conflict and climate change. It is imperative to acknowledge and address these biases, and to dismantle such problematic mentalities, in order to foster a more inclusive and understanding society. 

Media Influence on Far-Right Ideologies and Anti-Muslim Sentiment 

Far-right nationalism is on the rise in the UK, often driven by the media’s influential role in shaping public perception. The media’s portrayal of issues related to immigration and cultural diversity frequently employs an Us-versus-Them rhetoric, exacerbating societal divisions and fostering an environment of fear towards the Muslim community.  

Such narratives not only perpetuate anti-Muslim sentiment but also contributes to the growing acceptance of far-right ideologies. Far-right nationalists often invoke the “Great Replacement” theory, a debunked conspiracy theory that falsely claims that non-white populations are replacing white populations in Western countries, particularly in cities like London. Frequently, derogatory terms like “Londinstan” are used as common insults, implying that London has somehow transformed into Pakistan or Afghanistan, predominantly Muslim countries. This type of rhetoric is used to fuel fear and hatred against immigrants and minorities, notably the Muslim community.  

There is a concerning trend on social media where the portrayal of Muslim migrants contributes to the proliferation of the “Great Replacement” theory by far-right nationalists. Many users blame Muslim migrants for societal problems like housing, healthcare, and crime. These narratives foster fear and hatred by suggesting that migrants do not conform to ‘British values’, promoting exclusion and hostility. Such rhetoric fuels existing prejudices and can incite discrimination and violence against the Muslim community. Platforms like X and Facebook have become breeding grounds for far-right ideologies, highlighting a need for social media regulation.  

This dynamic underscores the urgent need for responsible journalism that promotes inclusivity and challenges harmful stereotypes, to counteract the spread of divisive and extremist views. Addressing these biases is crucial to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society, mitigating the harmful impacts of far-right nationalism.  
 
Media Portrayal of Muslim Migrants in the UK 

In the UK media, stories about Muslim migrants often have a negative tone, frequently highlighting the “migrant crisis.” The media tends to use sensational images and headlines, such as photos of large groups of migrants and titles like “Mass migration will permanently alter Britain.” [1] This approach aims to evoke strong emotional reactions and emphasise a sense of urgency or threat. 

Screenshot from The Telegraph

Furthermore, the use of sensationalist language in headlines and news stories significantly shapes public perception of Muslim migrants. For instance, the headline “RADICAL PLAN: Immigrants promoting extremism risk having their visas revoked and being thrown out of Britain” [2] frames Muslim migrants as a direct threat to national security. Using harsh terms like “revoked” and “thrown out,” the media strengthens the stereotype that Muslim migrants are dangerous and incompatible with ‘British values’. This type of reporting fosters fear and mistrust among the public, suggesting that Muslim migrants are not only a burden but also a potential source of violence. Such narratives create a hostile environment where Muslim communities are viewed with suspicion and resentment. 

Screenshot from The Sun

In traditional media, a stark contrast is evident in the coverage given to Muslim migrant criminals compared to their white counterparts. Frequently, while white criminals might be portrayed as “mentally unwell,” Muslim migrants are labelled as “terrorists,” and their actions are often used to fuel urgent calls for banning all migrants in the UK. Moreover, there is a tendency to highlight the migrant’s country of origin and religion with sensationalist headlines, emphasising a perceived link between criminality and ethnicity or faith. 

This skewed portrayal not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also contributes to the perpetuation of anti-Muslim sentiment. By consistently framing crimes committed by Muslim migrants in a sensationalist and generalised manner, the media fosters an environment where all Muslim migrants are unfairly demonised. Such reporting fails to recognise the diverse backgrounds and experiences within Muslim migrant communities and instead reinforces harmful narratives that fuel discrimination and prejudice. 

Additionally, there is an assumption that the majority of migrants in the UK are Muslim when in fact according to the 2017 report published by the House of Commons ‘Migrant populations of the UK’, Christians made up the biggest religious group among migrants, accounting for 50% of them. Although this figure may have changed today, it goes to show that the assumption that the flow of migrant communities to the UK has predominantly been historically Muslim, is indeed not correct. Media narratives often disproportionately focus on Muslim migrants, which can stoke fear and suspicion toward Muslim communities, leading to discrimination and anti-Muslim hate. By depicting them as a monolithic group, traditional media perpetuates harmful stereotypes and distorts public perception. Furthermore, ‘the positive response to White, Christian refugees from Ukraine emphasised the ingrained Islamophobia that exists in how migrant communities across Europe are treated’. 

In conclusion, traditional media in the UK often portrays Muslim migrants negatively, relying on sensationalism and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. To counteract this, media outlets should strive for balanced and accurate representation, avoiding sensational imagery and headlines. By highlighting the diverse realities of migrant populations and promoting understanding, the media can play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and combating discrimination. 

The Impact of Media Portrayal on Anti-Muslim Sentiment 

The portrayal of Muslim migrants in media significantly influences public sentiment, contributing to an increase in anti-Muslim hate. Statistical evidence indicates a troubling rise in such incidents, often correlating with peaks in negative media coverage. Research by the London School of Economics and Political Science highlights a clear correlation between media coverage and increases in anti-Muslim hate crime. This pattern suggests that sensationalist or biased reporting can amplify prejudices and incite violence. For instance, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) responded to the Home Office’s latest hate crime statistics for England and Wales, expressing profound alarm at the 9% increase in religious hate crime offences, from 8,602 to 9,387, in the year ending March 2023 – the highest number of religious hate crimes since reporting began.  

Distressingly, as of March 2023, 39% of all religiously motivated hate crimes (3,452 offences) targeted Muslims, making them the most targeted faith group at the time. Given that hate crimes are significantly underreported, with many victims hesitant to come forward, the actual number of religiously motivated hate crimes targeting Muslims is likely much higher than documented.  

To counter this trend, we need to encourage responsible journalism that focuses on accuracy and context. Teaching people how to critically evaluate information can also help reduce the impact of biased media. Promoting diverse and positive stories about Muslim migrants can help combat stereotypes and create a more inclusive society. 

In conclusion, the UK media often portrays Muslim migrants negatively, using sensationalism and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This biased reporting fuels anti-Muslim sentiment and contributes to a rise in hate crimes against the Muslim migrant community. Research shows a clear link between negative media coverage and increased anti-Muslim hate crimes, with Muslims frequently being the most targeted group.  

To counteract this trend, it is essential to promote responsible journalism that emphasises accuracy and context. By teaching media literacy and encouraging diverse, positive representations of Muslim migrants, we can combat stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society. Readers are urged to advocate for fair and accurate portrayals of all communities in the media. By educating ourselves on common harmful tropes and stereotypes about Islam, we can actively identify, challenge, and prevent the spread of such damaging rhetoric and narratives.  

Read more of our resources on countering hate speech and anti-Muslim tropes on our website.  

Citations:  

[1] Allison Pearson, ‘Mass migration will permanently alter Britain’ The Telegraph (2024): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/01/mass-migration-ons-mike-freer-british-culture/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_psc_ppc_google_core_generic_broad_dsa_content_news&rm_id=RM_News_UK_Search_Ads_Bau_Core_DSA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYQxbcUt7s3b5LuzAAKRSQikvoKLhJVKAmeiYx49T2npQr0ON5P74ZRoC_3oQAvD_BwE  

[2] Jack Elsom, ‘RADICAL PLAN: Immigrants promoting extremism risk having their visas revoked and being thrown out of Britain’ The Sun (2024): https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/26916823/immigrants-promoting-extremism-thrown-out-britain/#:~:text=RADICAL%20PLAN-,Immigrants%20promoting%20extremism%20risk%20having%20their%20visas,being%20thrown%20out%20of%20Britain&text=IMMIGRANTS%20promoting%20extremism%20risk%20being,the%20government's%20anti%2Dradicalism%20drive.