Behind the Backlash: Muslim Americans After 9/11

by Lori Peek

As the nation tried to absorb the shock of the 9/11 attacks, Muslim Americans were caught up in an unprecedented wave of backlash violence. Public discussion revealed that widespread misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Islam persisted, despite the striking diversity of the Muslim community. Letting the voices of 140 ordinary Muslim American men and women describe their experiences, Lori Peek's path-breaking book, a"Behind the Backlash"apresents moving accounts of prejudice and exclusion. Muslims speak of being subjected to harassment before the attacks, and recount the discrimination they encountered afterwards. Peek also explains the struggles of young Muslim adults to solidify their community and define their identity during a time of national crisis. "Behind the Backlash"aseeks to explain why blame and scapegoating occur after a catastrophe. Peek sets the twenty-first century experience of Muslim Americans, who were vilified and victimized, in the context of larger sociological and psychological processes. PeekOCOs book will be of interest to those in disaster research studies, sociology of religion, and race and ethnic relations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

230 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lori Peek]

I guess it isn't fair for me to rate this because I wrote it! Thank you, though, to all who have bought and read the book. I am grateful beyond words.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an important contribution on what it means to be in-group vs. out-group in post 9/11 America. Would recommend this book to anyone looking to better understand the experiences of what it was like for Muslim Americans in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everyone!

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a new perspective on the backlash that Muslim Americans faced after 9/11. It could be seen despite the many bad experience of Muslim Americans i.e., getting verbal or even physical assault, it did not dampen their spiritual belief but from it, their religious knowledge deepens. It’s a little disheartening that a Modern Country but yet so little knowledge of other minor communities religion and belief. In which it makes me wonder on whether the countries geographical size which led to a lesser exposure or pure ignorance?

Putting this aside, even in Singapore as we are in a multi-racial society, how much do we know of on other communities if we are not socially exposed to them, will we misunderstand them as well? If misinformation about certain communities, would we be a victim of being prejudiced against the out-group?

Highly recommend this book which not only provided insights on perspective of the Muslim Americans but how different type of catastrophic events leads to a certain type of response.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori was the most influential of my professors during undergrad. She has an unquestionability strong ethic and a desire to know better so we can do better though a depth of human (not just theoretical) understanding. This book gets into a very important, ongoing, conversation about violence, social pressure, and hate crimes committed against Muslims in America - look through the eyes of a range of individuals in the Muslim community. This is an incredibly important look at in group and out group mentality that we need to be careful/aware of while working to weed out bias. We know in our hearts that no group we is actually homogenous but works like these help us humanize the horrifying experiences that we otherwise may only skim over in a news feed.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that gives rich detail and context to the experiences of Muslim Americans in the wake of 9/11.

[Garrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good at understanding backing up impressions with facts. The first three chapters read like a valid philosophical argument. At last some real data to help understand the pain people feel when they are scapegoated. Ms. Peek's ability to tell a story with emotional depth made me feel the pain of 9/11 all over again and then she helped me to understand the pain innocent Muslims have gone through here in the land of the innocent until proven guilty.
I recommend this book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and well written book about the Muslim American community and the affects on their community post 9/11. Ms. Peek shares stories of Muslim Americans and the hatred, bigotry and harassment they have endured since the devastating attacks on the US in a sensitive way.

[Bridget West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the analysis given of the harsh realities faced after the events of 9/11. Well written, concise, and insightful. Very useful for my American Studies research paper!