Cologne study reveals: Discrimination threatens the future of young Muslims!

Cologne study reveals: Discrimination threatens the future of young Muslims!

A new report sheds light on the deep roots of radicalization among young Muslims in Germany. The study examines how insult and discrimination influence the lives of Muslims. A key finding is that many young people feel like victims and therefore develop a feeling of powerlessness. The advice center Turning point in Cologne-Kalk, under the leadership of Mohammed Haddad, takes these problems seriously and offers support for young people in difficult life situations.

Discrimination is a widespread phenomenon that has a profound impact on the lives of those affected. General negative statements from politicians and distorted representations in connection with terrorism increase feelings of insult and rejection. According to a survey by the University of Münster, around 20% of the Muslims surveyed feel that their offense is not being taken care of, with 11% of this group even being prepared to fight violently for Muslim interests. This fuels concerns about possible radicalization.

Radicalization and social media

The study also establishes a connection between radicalization and the use of social media. Loud bpb Islamist groups use platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to appeal to young people. These channels are used to address current social and political issues that are controversial within the Muslim community. Emotional content aims to generate empathy and anger, making young people more easily sensitized to extremist ideologies.

An example of this is the group “Muslim Interaktiv”, which uses social networks to mobilize its audience. During conflicts in the Middle East, such as the war in Ukraine, they use these issues to fuel conflicts of loyalty. These strategies contribute to the division between Muslims and the majority society and exclude participation and participation.

Prevention measures

In order to counteract this worrying development, experts such as Professor Mouhanad Khorchide are calling for early identification and addressing of insults. The measures to prevent radicalization are diverse: the focus is on strengthening belonging to society, expanding recognition spaces and promoting Islamic religious education. In addition, Imam Mahmood Malhi emphasizes the importance of correcting false information about Islam on social media.

In the area of ​​social media, the report for the protection of the constitution makes it clear: platforms like TikTok are now considered central places for Islamist propaganda. The “Tiktoking of Islamism” has reached a new dimension, allowing extremists to reach wide-ranging target groups. The war in Gaza has increased this risk even further, and advice centers offer urgently needed support for worried relatives and friends of those at risk of radicalization.

Media literacy and educational work critical of racism are highlighted as further preventative measures. These approaches should be critically promoted in order to protect young people from Islamist ideologization and to create dialogue.