ENORB complains about Islamophobic claims on Le Vif
Le Vif argue that “too many women are abused, harassed, despised, threatened with death, whether in Belgium or abroad, because of resisting wearing the veil." This type of argument portrays Muslim women as invisible and submissive.
By being visible and demanding equal rights and treatment to other citizens, Muslim women are seen as attacking a body of power where the dominated are expected to know their place and remain.
Accusations of promoting ‘political Islam’ are dangerous because any public stance or visibility, including in the practice and exercise of religious freedoms (wearing symbols, prayers, cultural gatherings, for example) by a Muslim organisation or person is perceived as undermining public order, or even worse, as laying the groundwork for terrorist attacks.
In their complaint, ENORB wrote: “Your article contributes to negative views of how Muslim women participate in Belgian society, and assumes that minorities private interests are in opposition to those of the general public.“
ENORB explain how “forcing Muslim women not to wear the veil on the pretext that it is a symbol of submission, is just as oppressive as forcing them to wear it. As it takes away Muslim women’s control over their bodies.
According to ENORB, these topics are important to discuss, but should be done in a fair and ethical manner as they can cause harm.
Narratives can 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."
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.
Our aim is to illustrate and raise awareness of the impact of these narratives, especially in a broader context of stigmatisation of minorities.
ENORB complained to L'Echo for an article on the same topic, read it here.
