ENORB complains to L'Echo about an article reinforcing stereotypes about Muslim women
The article suggests that Muslim women wear the veil because of either a hidden political purpose or as a sign of submission. This kind of language delegitimises the freedom of expression Muslim women themselves have in public settings such as workplaces.
In their complaint, ENORB wrote: “Your article contributes to a biased view of the ways Muslim women participate in Belgian society, by assuming that minorities within Belgium represent private interests that are in opposition to those of the general public.“
While these topics are important to discuss, it should be done in a fair and ethical manner.
Narratives like the one in this article help to reinforce the idea of a "hard" Islam that oppresses "good Muslims" - those who don’t like wearing a headscarf and adapt more easily to "European values."
This kind of language allows those who use it to delegitimise their critics, it’s known as Tokenisation.
Tokenisation of the Muslim population is a process in which Muslim groups are politicised and categorised.
According to ENORB, “religious beliefs, as well as political and societal positions of Muslims are often categorised as acceptable or not. Those who set the standards that symbolically establishes good or bad Muslims do so on the basis of subjective values and beliefs.”
This discourse stifles legitimate voices within minority groups and sends the inaccurate message that those who defend their fundamental rights are subversive elements within minority groups.
As an organisation we are fighting against such actions by attempting to create a dialogue of trust between the media and the most stereotyped minorities. By showing alternative readings of such articles, we aim to show the impact on real Muslims living in Belgium today.
