Imperial racism subordinates even allied Muslims to imperial power
Evidence
The good/bad Muslim typology can be understood as imperial ethnocentric racism in that it is productive of racialized constructions of “them” in contrast to “us” rooted in imperial ambitions. Those who agree with us are friends, even if that friendship is contingent, while those who disagree are enemies. Imperial ethnocentrism isn’t simply about viewing the world from the vantage point of one’s nation or ethnic group but also about the tendency to see those who are part of colonized or less powerful nation states, or subordinated groups within imperial nations, as inferior. “They,” whether as friend or enemy, are inferior or subordinate to “us.” Even as allies they are at best adjuncts within a larger power dynamic. Such articulations are not readily legible as racist because they are so deeply ideological and naturalized. Moreover, these are unstable classifications, with “good” turning “bad” quite easily. — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 390
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Empire produces anti-Muslim racism which in turn sustains empire; US officials racialized Muslims as incapable of democracy while arming their dictators — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of…, 368; Anti-Muslim racism remains entrenched despite Muslim inclusion in imperial systems (+4 more)
Broader Connections
- Imperial friendship itself subordinates allies as racial inferiors
#corroborates(0.92) - Anti-Muslim racism remains entrenched despite Muslim inclusion in imperial systems
#corroborates(0.85) - Anti-Muslim racism is structurally rooted in empire, not individual prejudice
#expands(0.80) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 78 - European superiority over Muslim empires enabled racial notions of Muslim inferiority
#expands(0.78) — Khaled A. Beydoun, The New Crusades_ Islamophobia and the…, 1826 - Pro-imperial Muslim collaborators get sidelined while both racisms bolster empire
#qualifies(0.75)