Below are examples of some of the myths that are explored in the Silent Anger Workshops
Plus could you add the following extra myth

THE MYTHS...

MYTH - “There are more mosques than churches in the UK”

EXPLANATION

• There are just over 47,000 churches in the UK
• There are some 1,600 registered mosques in the UK
• an early recognised mosque was opened in Liverpool in 1889 by Henry William Quilliam, an Englishman.

Are there more mosques?

 

MYTH - “Britain is being relentlessly pushed towards the acceptance of Islam as a dominant force”

EXPLANATION

• A 2009 Gallup Poll found that 77% of British Muslims felt that they identified “very strongly” or “extremely strongly” with their country - Britain. In contrast with the British public where only 50%
  confirmed that they identify with their country - Britain”.

Many British Muslims are now third and fourth generation with local accents ranging from Glaswegian, Brummie and Cockney!! They contribute towards our economy and embrace our multi-cultural society. What does Britishness mean to you? Fish and Chips or Chicken Tikka Masala?

 

MYTH - “We are Being Swamped”

EXPLANATION

• Latest population estimate for Staffordshire is 828,900. (2008)
• Non-white population for Staffordshire is 2.4% (0.6% Pakistani community and 0.5% Indian community) (2001 census)
• 2.4% of 828,900 = approx 20,000 people.

Do you think this equates to being swamped?

 

MYTH - “Britain is a soft touch for asylum seekers”

EXPLANATION

• Someone seeking asylum receives a payment which is one third LESS than the basic income support. At present they receive £39.24 per week, which is 30% below the poverty line. Some people seeking asylum receive considerably less than this. They DO NOT receive mobile phones or cars as handouts!

People seeking asylum come to Britain for safety because they fear for their lives in their home country, what would make you leave your family, home and friends?

 

MYTH - “Islamists believe that a single interpretation of shari’ah, the collection of Muslim moral codes, can and should be imposed on society as state law.”

EXPLANATION

• This is a version of shari’ah being used as a state law “It is important to emphasise that Islamists and the governments of countries like Saudi Arabia are not implementing ‘Islamic law’ but are enforcing their interpretation of shari’ah, a diverse and often contradictory set of religious guidance, as state law.”  (Ghaffar Hussian- Quilliam Foundation)