Incidents of violence and discrimination against American Muslims are on the rise. Membership in anti-Islam groups has tripled in the past three years, fueled by fear, misinformation and outright bigotry. How did this disturbing trend start, where is it going, and how can we stop it? Islamophobia Inc., produced by Al Jazeera Investigations, examines the sources of hatred against Muslims, the means by which discriminatory ideologies are spread, and possible crimes committed by President Donald Trump and others in his administration.
The film takes an uncompromising approach when it comes to assessing responsibility for hate speech and cruelty against Muslims. ACT for America is just one of the institutions the film targets. Through constant publicity and a powerful social media presence, the group has managed to catalog nearly 2 billion people all in one broad and diabolical flick. Under the guise of national security, they campaign against Muslim candidates across the political spectrum and brainwash their supporters into believing that all Muslims want to confiscate their constitutional freedoms and destroy their Christian faith.
From the perspective of the film, these misguided messages of hate inevitably lead to violent radicals. The country has been rife with targeted shootings, public beatings and bombings at Muslim places of worship in recent years. In response, the current White House administration has done little to quell Islamophobic hostilities. In some cases, their rhetoric only intensifies and intensifies the aggression.
Significant changes are likely in the corridors of power in Washington, but some wealthy donors are spending huge sums to ensure that all Muslim candidates are defeated. Some of these donors represent established and conservative Jewish organizations.
The film also includes insights from activists on the other side of the battlefield. They work to stem the rising tide of intolerance through education and community work.
Islamophobia Inc is a well-produced and well-researched investigation into the rampant hate campaign across the country. It is a virus that fosters ignorance and malice while violating fundamental American values and principles.
