What is Muslim Rage?
"Muslim Rage" refers to the title of an article in Newsweek written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali about anti-American protests and events in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012. Ali's article has caused controversy due to several statements in her article. The main cause of controversy comes from her claim that "Muslim men and women...who support—whether actively or passively—the idea that blasphemers deserve to suffer punishment are not a fringe group. On the contrary, they represent the mainstream of contemporary Islam." She also questions the influence Islam had on the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as believes she associated "...terrorist attacks with a theology that inspired it." Ali's assertion is yet another example of how mainstream media casts a negative light on Muslims, add further perpetuates stereotypes of violence about Islam. "Muslim Rage" also refers to multiple protests in Muslim countries over the creation of an anti-Muhammad film.
Why are Muslims without Rage?
Hassan Haqqani's piece "Muslim Rage Is About Politics, Not Religion" in The Daily Beast describes the media generated aspect of "Muslim Rage". This description of Muslims was brought to further enforce the current lens that is fixated on them. "In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the federal government detained thousands of Muslim citizens," but it was found that the only a small percentage of these detainees were actual criminals. By instilling this fear, Muslims are perceived as a threat, thus "Muslim Rage". However, it is not every Muslim that reflects this orient that the public perceives. It is just as likely that a threat come from any race or religion than Islam. Muslims live their lives around their faith, whether that be through following their religion, celebrating their holidays, or finding a medium in media that reflects Islam. Muslims have been dehumanized by the media and politics, but by demystifying Islam, we can see the humans behind what some see as a terror.