Unveiling Prejudices Against Muslims
July, 2024
Sondos Al Sad
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible”
Maya Angelou
In the labyrinth of healthcare, where compassion and equality are meant to reign supreme, the burden of biases weighs heavily, particularly for Muslims. The tax of stereotypes, an unspoken yet palpable toll, unveils a deeply rooted supremacy and injustices that manifest through the healthcare spaces.
Since its inception, Western societies have catered to the fragility of their own, especially white communities, in ways that continuously perpetuated bigotry. This overprotection yielded a tight comfort zone, rendering our self-accountability idle. Antisemitism was born and raised in the European landscape, yet, its increased incidence is often met with swift and decisive condemnation from its original makers by leaning on Islamophobia!
The polarization and lack of accountability are glaring.
While antisemitism rightly prompts societal and constitutional shifts aimed at protection, Muslims frequently find themselves on the receiving end of travel bans and derogatory labels, such as terrorists.
Muslims today, particularly in the context of the ongoing crisis in Palestine, face an uphill battle in trusting the healthcare system. The visible discrimination and bigotry they encounter erode this trust, creating a barrier to accessing essential services.
The impact of these disparities is profound, affecting not only the physical health of Muslims but also their mental and emotional well-being. The collective psyche of the Muslim community bears the scars of September 11th, a day that forever altered perceptions and unjustly painted an entire faith with the brush of extremism. Meanwhile, the grievances of Jewish communities, though valid, are often met with immediate institutional support and legislative changes.
A troubling truth: our global health suffers when justice and equality are not uniformly upheld.
For those with an affinity to the Palestinian cause, the consequences are even more severe. The continuous marginalization and stigmatization foster a climate of mistrust and alienation, hindering effective healthcare delivery and exacerbating existing health disparities.
As we navigate this complex landscape, we must recognize and address these double standards. Healthcare should be a sanctuary, free from prejudice and discrimination. Only then can we hope to heal the wounds of the past and build a future where everyone, regardless of their faith or background, receives the care and respect they deserve.
