9/11's indflydelse på islam og muslimer i USA

This study examines the effects of 9/11 on Islam and Muslims in the public debate. In order to obtain the necessary knowledge to be able to handle an issue of this magnitude, the paper includes a theoretically based examination of the relationship between identity and religion. This is viewed in relation to Muslims in the United States, before and after the defining event that is 9/11. Numerous texts from the public debate have been included, which are also analyzed. The views in these texts express not only the views of private persons, but also reflect the tendencies seen in society. The different ways the authors of said texts relate to these tendencies, and their different experiences are also examined and used to gain an understanding of the long lasting effects of the terrorist attack. Using theories, external texts, public debate, analysis, as well as subjective assessment this paper tries to grasp the complexity of this issue. The main findings of the study is that no one definite answer can be found in this matter, as the public debate shows very different tendencies, and also similarities, though these similarities and differences can often be explained by a multitude of factors. It is, however, an undeniable fact that Muslims and Islam have played an increasingly large role in the public debate and the minds of the American people. The effects of 9/11 vary from increased racial profiling, breaking of the taboo that was Muslims being vocal about Islam and public affairs, non-Muslims taking interest in the Muslim faith and the rise of islamophobia. The effects of the terrorist attack are yet to be fully understood and have yet to reach their full potential. Whether this will be for the better or for the worse is yet to be seen, as the public debate continues to include Islam, terror, what it means to be an American, the war on terror and how these matters relate.