Population estimates for persecuted minorities must not be mistaken for facts

Evidence

Again it is important to stress that unlike previous conceptualisations, ideological content is not only to be found in symbolic forms that are ‘unfounded’, but also in those deemed to be ‘founded’, incorporating that which is real and that which is not. Islamophobia therefore is not a purely false doctrine, dependent solely upon misunderstandings and inaccuracies. Consequently, it is neither essential nor necessary for symbolic forms to be incorrect or inaccurate, illusory or erroneous for them to be employed ideologically. It is therefore quite irrelevant and unnecessary to demonstrate if, why or how certain symbolic forms are false or inaccurate, or even to make claims about what might be true or accurate, because both are to little or no avail. — Chris Allen, Islamophobia, 905 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Modern expectations of exact statistics distort historical demography — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 85; Small errors in estimated household size massively distort historical population estimates. — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 88; Racism statistics may measure the collectors, not the facts — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 3138 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Islamophobia need not rest on false claims, so debunking accuracy misses the point #complicates (0.76) — Chris Allen, Islamophobia, 905