One of the UK’s leading newspapers, The Sun, made false claims recently that 1 in 5 Muslims sympathize with ISIS. Unfortunately such claims by even the mainstream international media are not uncommon and after the recent Paris attacks, and an increased air of Islamophobia in the West, such propaganda against Muslims is hurtful but not unexpected.
But this time Muslims have decided not to sit back and take such discriminatory behavior silently. They have responded and what a response! Muslims began tweeting at the Sun with the hashtags #1in5Muslims and #1in5 and it became a global trend. And, it was recently reported that the false numbers by The Sun drew in record numbers of complaints against a story – 450 complaints!
Let’s take a look at what some of the responses to The Sun’s fake statistics about Muslims were:
There were some who called out the newspaper on their false claims
@TheSun Your paper is a total disgrace . Stirring up hatred at every chance. Since when did you interview 1in5 Muslims . There's over a 1bn
— pat gow (@ticgran) November 23, 2015
And others who were just surprised by how this became news
#1in5 people wonder why does anyone still buy @TheSun anyway?
— Paul McDougall (@pjmcd66) November 24, 2015
Some really knew Muslim children’s priorities
#1in5 Muslims are busy writing their letter to Santa, telling them they been good boys and girls this year!
— Give Thanks (@givthanx) November 23, 2015
Because like all children, Muslim kids want gifts from the Santa too!
However some people had questionable music tastes
#1in5 Muslims listen to Justin Bieber
— sidroos (@Samiraidroos) November 24, 2015
And others were clueless about Muslims’ lifestyles
Like this person who does not realize most Muslims use water instead of toilet paper
#1in5 muslims would use the#TheSun as toilet paper
— gordon horspool (@slicedtomatoes) November 24, 2015
Or this person who doesn’t know Muslims only get already Muslaman pets, rights
#1in5Muslims force their cat to read the Quran…. pic.twitter.com/k57qh8nLZt
— Moe (@moethemyth) November 24, 2015
These guys responded with truth
#1in5muslims try not to fart from magrieb until esha so that they don't have to make wudhu again
— Tahir Ebrahim (@tahir_ebrahim) November 24, 2015
#1in5 go to the mosque for the free food.
— Urooj Hussain (@suno_Urooj) November 24, 2015
And this person made claims that could actually be true
#1in5 humam beings are robots in disguise
— Drew Tabori (@DrewTabori) November 24, 2015
But generally people were very supportive of Muslims
Please make a complaint to the independent press standard 4 'The Sun' inciting hatred & publishing false info #1in5 https://t.co/LBbkehPXJR
— Julia (@Untainted_Mind) November 24, 2015
Sign this petition asking for charges to be made against The Sun for its #1in5 front page https://t.co/JFCO89AxKQ
— Derek Carrillo (@Iskeptic_ru) November 24, 2015
#1in5Muslims say MashaAllah after checking out a girl.
— Scrappy Cocco (@BlameItOnSarum) November 24, 2015
SubhanAllah brother!
#1in5Muslims are better at cricket than #11in11Englishmen
— Jack Jones (@UNITE_Jack) November 24, 2015
And some really knew that in the end it is Adele that unites us all
#1in5 Muslims think Adele should get over her ex
— Diane (@diane_320msncom) November 24, 2015
There is always a way to respond to hate with love and Muslims know it.