Are South African Muslims Racist?
The University of Cape Town's student newspaper published a piece titled "Is Love Colour Blind?”. The article explored interracial perceptions among university students and created quite a stir across South Africa. The response was quite shocking and showed that South Africans still have a long way to overcome racism.
Using the article as a point of reference, a programme on racism was hosted on Radio Islam International on Wednesday the 10th of April 2013. A question was posed to the listeners: “Are South African Muslims racist?”
The response to the question was phenomenal. Here below are some of the comments that were received via Twitter and SMSs:
Most South African Muslims are racist especially in Lenasia. They actually make other Muslims feel embarrassed.
They seem to combine apartheid racism with the worst of the Indian caste system.
In is not just white and black, but also between Indians and Malay- there is traces of racism.
Racism is worst now then it was during apartheid.
Islam is multiracial, but still Muslims will look down upon other Muslim. Even among the Ulema-so sad.
South African Muslims are racist against other South African born ethnics. And they actually tell you to your face-that they superior.
On Muslim and racism...... Definitely prevalent-but most unfortunate
So sad, but true-Indian Muslims are racist, especially the women: When you make Salaam, they don't even reply.
South African Muslims are Snobbish.
I think the older generation are racist-due to apartheid and the younger generation -due to crime etc.
Sometimes racisms is found because-some are rich and others are poor.
Lots of South African Muslims would respond-yes. Are they just being honest about themselves OR, are they excluded.
Not all South Africans are racist.
When examining the overall responses it was observed that: 85% of those who responded felt that racism is very prevalent among South Africans Muslims and 15% said that not all are racist.
What was evident from the entire exercise is that there still remain strong racial divided in the Muslims community. This is as a result of the unique demographical make up we have within the Muslim community of South Africa.
Yusuf Moosagie