Music as a means of spreading Islamophobia
Music is a widespread producer of Islamophobia. Artists both within the U.S. and overseas have written songs offensive to Muslims. Rap, rock, and metal groups are particularly notorious for spreading such hate. Listeners who would ordinarily have no stake in race or religious conflicts are turned against Muslims. Arguably the most easily spread forms of media, music and music videos containing anti-Islamic lyrics and themes have trickled into the bloodstream of our everyday lives.
Popular bands
There are countless examples of bands that have been or continue to be producers of Islamophobia. Artists such as Pissed on Arrival (pictured on the left), Taake, and Black Soul utilize anti-Islamic lyrics, broadcasting hateful messages across their fanbases.
OVErSEAS
Outside of the U.S., there are nations far more outspoken and intolerant. Black metal - which is driven thematically by anger, hate, and nihilism - is being used as a means to spread hatred of Islam. Below is a disturbing example of such music that artists are producing today overseas. Janaza is an artist part of the growing underground metal scene in Iraq.
BackLash
Fortunately, music as an outlet to broadcast social issues goes both ways here. To counter the rising movement of Islamic hate groups, some artists have taken it upon themselves to spread messages of pro-Islamism. A British, multi-ethnic hip-hop fusion band, Fun-Da-Mental, is one such group: they are very outspoken in their pro-Islamic views, often to an extreme point. There are blazing fires on both sides of this issue, and music will continue to be an important facet of the media in the fight for or against racial and religious harmony.
Below is a music video by Maher Zain, a Lebanese-born Swedish singer who expresses a pro-Islamic message of peace and brotherhood.
Below is a music video by Maher Zain, a Lebanese-born Swedish singer who expresses a pro-Islamic message of peace and brotherhood.