Climates of Hate: Media and State Inspired Victimisation of Muslims in Canada and Australia since 9/11

Abstract

This article represents a preliminary comparative exploration of anti-Muslim racism and violence in Australia and Canada, especially since September 11. The article contextualises the anti-Muslim vilification and victimisation within parallel—yet still distinct—political climates that bestow permission to hate. That is, negative media portrayals, together with discriminatory rhetoric, policy and practices at the level of the state create an enabling environment that signals the legitimacy of public hostility toward the Muslim communities. The article concludes by pointing toward the need for more extensive empirical exploration of the phenomenon in both countries.