'The Satanic Verses: Islamophobia thirty years since the Rushdie Affair' - talk and discussion

Come and hear Narzanin Massoumi - co-editor of the recent and acclaimed book 'What is Islamophobia?: Racism, Social Movements and the State' - outline what happened in the Rushdie Affair thirty years ago and how it helped spawn the racism directed against Muslims today.
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British Indian writer Salman Rushdie's the Satanic Verses was published in autumn 1988. Rushdie was a highly acclaimed writer, having won the Booker Prize for his earlier novel Midnight's Children. He was also on the left and a prominent voice against racism in British society.

However, the Satanic Verses caused a furore amongst British Muslims and internationally. The book was burnt on the streets of UK towns and cities and the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against Rushdie, who went into hiding.

One consequence was the rise of a new form of racism against Muslims, what we now term Islamophobia. With the 'War on Terror' Islamophobia would subsequently become the predominant form of racism in western societies.

We look forward to seeing you. Please note that we usually ask for a donation of £2/3 on the door for those who can afford it in order to cover the costs of venue and the speaker's transport.

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