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| Predictable Irrationality of Hizmetophobia: Islamophobia in the Case of Hizmet Movement |
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| Understanding Hizmetophobia and the Hidden Forces that Shape it |
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Understanding Hizmetophobia and the Hidden Forces that Shape it
As the courts concluded, these accusations are arbitrary and capricious, but why do people keep making these erratic allegations again and again against Gulen and Hizmet? Like any other type of phobia, Hizmetophobia, seems to be an anxiety disorder. Phobia is defined as the "persistent fear of an object or situation in which the sufferer commits to great lengths in avoiding despite the fear, typically disproportional to the actual danger posed, often being recognized as irrational"5. So by definition, Islamophobia in general, and Hizmetophobia in particular, is irrational, and as can be seen in real life examples on a continuing basis, it is very predictable as well.
In a deeper analysis, Hizmetophobia or Islamophobia, or xenophobia of any kind for that matter, is directly related to how we identify ourselves. If we analyze who or what we are, and seek to identify ourselves relative to others, then we are just anti-Muslim, or anti-American, or anti-black, or anti-white, or in short, anti-“other”. With this approach, instead of having axioms to define our identity, we simply base our very being against an "other". We know or define others from our own perspective, and if we were to have any doubts of our own values and intentions, then instead of looking inwardly, we would question the intentions of the “other” group. To move away from this mindset, each individual or organization needs to look inward. So those who are questioning the intentions of the Hizmet Movement in charity or education activities, could start this process by explaining their contributions to humanity.
In a recent book edited by John Esposito and Ibrahim Kalin, "The Challenge of Pluralism in the 21st Century: Islamophobia"6, a number of well known scholars analyze the roots and different aspects of Islamophobia.
Jocelyn Cesari of CNRS, French National Center for Scientific Research, explores the structural causes for discrimination in "Islamophobia in the West: A Comparison between Europe and America", and concludes that "Islamophobia overlaps with other forms of discrimination like xenophobia, anti-immigration sentiments, and the rejection of the validity of cultural differences". In "Islamophobia and Anti-Americanism: Measurements, Dynamics and Consequences", Mohamed Nimer of American University observes that Islamophobia and anti-Americanism are interconnected and reinforce each other. "Feeding this relationship are mutual misconceptions that Americans and Muslims have of each other, incorrect notions that result in harsh rhetoric and violent behaviors"
