An Unholy Alliance? Racism, Religion and Communalism

In: Race & class: a journal on racism, empire and globalisation, Band 44, Heft 2, S. 71-80

Abstract

Documents the increasing tensions in GB's Asian communities, particularly between Sikhs & Hindus vs Muslims, & explores the role of the far-Right British National Party (BNP) in fostering this situation. The party's active promotion of public campaigns against Islam is examined, along with the retaliatory actions by Muslim groups. The history of Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) in GB is also traced, & the emergence of a far-Right, fundamentalist branch of Hinduism -- the VHP -- is chronicled, along with its increasing violence against Muslims. New hostilities engendered by the September 11 (2001) terrorist attacks by Muslims against the US are described, demonstrating how right-wing parties & the media promote distorted images of Islam that inspire community violence & promote racism. Among other reactions, the evolution of a new strand of Puritanism among Muslims is noted. Particular implications for the country's young religious minorities are discussed, & some cautions are advanced regarding "multiculturalist" policies as a solution. K. Hyatt Stewart