British Muslims
European Muslims
Originated From
Age & Sex
Places of Worship
Ethnic Groups
Defining Identity
What they Say
Profession of Faith
Praying
Social Responsibility
Fasting
Pilgrimage
Muslims in Britain
Impact of Media
Islamophobia
Identity
British & Muslims
Surveys
Interviews
Auto Photography
Introduction
British Muslim identity
Successive generations face issues of identity and citizenship. The question of who we are, as a nation and as individuals, is very prevalent at this present time especially among young people who live in a fast moving and media savvy world. They attract a good deal of media attention, much of it critical and often without an in-depth analysis of their needs and lifestyle expectations.
Today in Britain we have a whole generation of young Muslims who are struggling to define their identity, and at the same time a British public that have a negative perception of Muslims in general. Britain in the last 70 years has changed beyond recognition and has become a multicultural society. The cultural landscape of our cities and people has shaped the way we perceive a lot of our culture now, from Curry being the nations favourite dish to music and the arts. All immigrant communities have had a profound effect on how Britain is viewed from outside and within.
We need, as a society, to understand one another across culture and faith boundaries. Across the country young people live in very diverse communities, living, studying and working alongside one another, but at times not fully understanding each other’s culture.
“We currently are repeatedly giving invitations to question contribution of Muslims in our society. Muslim youth are unlike any other group of young people they want to be heard and affirmed by all sections of our society that includes, supports and resources them.” The Bishop of Leicester [1]
The British Muslim population is increasing every year, and the demographic information shows that over 70% are under age of 34 years old [2]. With such a young and growing population in the United Kingdom it is pivotal to understand what this generation of young British Muslims feel and think about their identity. If we do not engage with this generation, who in the near future will play a important part in shaping British society, we will lose valuable insight to their opinions and attitudes towards the world they are growing up in.
“State multiculturalism has failed and left young Muslims vulnerable to radicalisation”,
David Cameron, Prime Minster [3]
Young Muslims have become a topic of debate within British society; As many commentators from all political persuasions seem to think, Muslims are a separatist culture within British society, in some regards ‘alien’, as some Muslim values do not adhere to British values.
“Those in Britain and around the world who write about this country and its people sometimes need reminding that ‘we’ include almost two million Muslims. This is the basis of a new sense of ourselves – even perhaps a much-debated new sense of ‘Britishness’ – and it is important to ensure that it includes all of us”.Lord Kinnock, British Council [4]
With a growing population, understanding Muslims is important not only politically, but also economically, in terms of advertising and reaching them as a target market. If we do not understand how to communicate with such an emerging and distinct culture, we will not be able to engage and communicate with them.
For this project, various quantitative and qualitative research was conducted to make this project a success. Interviews with young prominent Muslims who are influential in media and politics were conducted. By simply talking to such individuals, it was possible to gain a basic insight and understanding on how this generation perceives themselves as an integrating culture. Also I will be conducting a study called “auto photography”[29] as a way to visually study how young Muslims perceive their identity, as well as see if British non-Muslims describe certain stereotypes. Surveys will also be an important component to be carried out on a myriad of topics regarding identity. Secondary research, will involve an exploration of how media has effected public perception of the Muslim community, and its effect on British society. By exploring public perceptions of Islamophobia and citizenship, we can then understand what effect labelling has on the British Muslim community.
