Anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States and Canada: visibility and the minority-group threat thesis

The chapter considers several key issues surrounding anti-Muslim hate crimes, with a special focus on the United States and Canada. The first section introduces the historical context for the growth of Islam in these two countries during the twentieth century. After the historical preview, the next section presents official statistics on anti-Muslim hate crimes since the inception of formal police reporting, followed by a discussion of victimization data and the recent experiences of those who have suffered directly or indirectly the effects of various forms of Islamophobia. The balance of the chapter then examines the “minority-group threat” thesis and the main factors that contribute to practices associated with identifying and scapegoating Muslims. The core thesis suggests that multiple forms of visibility amplify their identification as a religious minority and the perceived threats associated with their Muslim status.