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
Auto Photography
Capturing identity
Auto photography was an attempt to encourage participants to visualise a representation of themselves, and Muslim identity. The process of gathering photographs based upon Muslim identity and non-Muslim perception, allowed for the research to capture and visually articulate the ways identity guides human action and thought. As a result, it can generate more authentic data since it enables researchers to look at the participants’ world through the participants’ eyes.
Auto- photography does this because participants themselves select and record the static images they feel represent them in the best way.This is a particularly critical issue for those who conduct research on the experiences of marginalised groups. Since auto-photography provides an opportunity for participants to speak for themselves, it helps researchers avoid exclusive reliance on potentially culturally biased research instruments.
Five participants were asked (British Born Muslims) from cross England and Wales to capture their weekly experience through images depicting who they are and how they see themselves in British society. Four Non-Muslims were also asked to gather photos and images to represent what identifies British Muslims for them.
Muslim Identity
The images collected show a glimpse of what these young people hold valuable and important to their lives (please refer to appendices A). They show objects and places that help make up their identity. They also give us glimpses of what young Muslims feel about their identity, the values they hold as British citizens and how they feel about living in Great Britain today. Some young Muslims showed visual representations of their faith such as wearing the crescent and star, others of places they enjoy hanging out in e.g. the shisha cafes.
Non-Muslim Perceptions
The study of the images also showed how non-Muslims visually associate with Islam and Muslims in Britain (please refer to appendices A). These collections included a few images of terrorism and negative stereotypes that some non-Muslims have come to associate with Islam, usually as a result of the way issues are represented in the media. Some of the negative images included those of Salman Rushdie, radical clerics, convicted terrorists, women wearing the niqab and angry, young Muslim youths. On a more positive note, there were also images of people like James Khan and Amir Khan who are role models for all British youths along with many images of people praying and going to the mosque. There appeared to be a split amongst the 4 people regarding what they perceive about British Muslims.
