*Passive victims or active members of society? On 9/11 and how Muslim New Yorkers have dealt with the backlash

Abstract

After 9/11, Muslims in the United States have had to face certain stereotypes, most of times with a negative connotation. Although the realization of the fact that Muslims have been victims of the 9/11 attacks too might not have penetrated the minds of all people, it of course has always been felt by the Muslim society itself. The purpose of my dissertation was to make clear the reality of life in New York for Muslims and to create a more nuanced picture from a European perspective, contributing to a better understanding. I have portrayed internal views, coming from the Muslim American community itself, and external views, coming from the media, resulting in a certain way of portraying the Muslim community. The question I have tried to answer in this way is: are Muslims in New York passive victims of 9/11 or have they become active members of society? We will see that New York is on its way to retrieving and reviving the ties of people within communities and between communities. After the horrific events of 9/11 and the losses of the people directly involved in it, the Muslim community was struck hard, losing all pride and respect, facing misconceptions and attacks, that have gone on much longer than the day of 9/11 itself. However, the Muslim community of New York seems to have picked up the pieces to build a stronger relationship with those around them.