Host a workshop to counter Anti-Islamophobia and Cyberhate!

 

As part of CCMW’s commitment to counter racism, hate and Islamophobia in our communities, we continue to host bilingual virtual workshops (Anti-Islamophobia 101 and Countering Cyberhate 101).

The virtual workshops help participants develop an increased understanding of how Islamophobia further marginalizes Black and Indigenous Muslims, queer Muslims and Muslims living with diverse abilities. The workshops also help individuals recognize how to effectively counter online hate speech and extremism. As part of CCMW’s DARE2 Project, more than 60 workshops were held across Canada and approximately 4,000 participants trained between 2021-22. You too have a role to play in helping #DeleteRacism from our communities. Get informed, join an upcoming workshop or have CCMW host a workshop in your community!

Anti-Islamophobia 101

According to Statistics Canada, hate crimes against Muslims increased by 253% in just four years. There’s been a rise in Anti-Muslim sentiments perpetuated in media reporting, pop culture and on social media. This has had detrimental effects on the lives of many Muslims in Canada. 

Islamophobia is a system of oppression that can be defined as a fear or hatred of Islam and its adherents. This hatred and fear translates into ideological and systemic forms of oppression and discrimination against individuals. Islamophobia targets expressions of visible or perceived Muslimness.

Anti-Islamophobia 101 seeks to address the realities of islamophobia and the way in which it operates within Canadian society. Learners will have an opportunity to challenge their own thoughts and think outside of their perceptions. Through critically examining the impacts that this system of oppression has on the lives of Muslims living in Canada, learners will be equipped with the required tools to be an active ally to counter Islamophobia.  

Learning outcomes include:

  • Increased understanding of what islamophobia is and how it works within our society

  • Increased understanding of gendered islamophobia

  • Increased understanding of intersectional identities

  • Increased understanding of how to collectively take action against racism and islamophobia.

Countering Cyberhate 1O1

Online hate and cyberviolence have emerged as extensions of violence against women. Exposure to hateful speech and attitudes in digital spaces may escalate the risk that people will act on these views through physical violence. Young women aged 18-24 are most likely to experience the most severe forms of online harassment, including stalking, sexual harassment and physical threats. Women who face multiple forms of discrimination, such as racial or cultural discrimination homophobia, and transphobia, may be at increased risk of online hate and cyberviolence. While people of all genders experience cyberviolence, women and girls are at greater risk of experiencing violence online, especially severe types of harassment and sexualized abuse.

The Countering Cyberhate 1O1 Virtual Workshop aims to empower racialized women and girls to better understand online hate speech and extremism, including counterspeech and counter-narrative. With the incorporation of real-life examples, alongside live discussions on effective strategies to counter online hate, participants will have an increased capacity to recognize online hate and build the required skills and resources to counter it.

LEARNING OUTCOMES INCLUDE:

  • Increased understanding of hate online

  • Increased understanding of counter-speech

  • Increased understanding of how to individually engage in counterspeech online

  • Increased understanding of how to collectively engage in counterspeech online.

The Digital Anti-Racism Education (DARE) phase 1 and phase 2 projects were funded by the Government of Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage.