Demonisation
Muslims and Islam have long been demonised; our governments and Prevent programmes have played their part in encouraging that.
There are still plenty who want to promote the idea that Muslims are simply a fifth column amongst us waiting to cut our throats and impose their caliphate and sharia law. The greatest fears expressed over refugees and asylum seekers are that they are mostly Muslims, are, "invaders", are only seeking to come here to kill us, rape our women, and take over.
"They started it", is an oft heard excuse, because history for some only started in 2001 and if one person proclaiming to follow Islam is a bad guy they must all be; "it is in their koran". There is no acceptance that Muslims are or can be individuals, do not follow a single interpretation of faith any more than Christian and other factions do.
Muslims are treated collectively in a manner no one else would be. Some will not even accept it when a Muslim says; "not in my name".
I have no idea how we turn that round, but keeping on demonising those who are not bad guys does not help.
I am actually surprised that more Muslims have not been radicalised by they way we treat them.
And I feel awful about having to post anonymously but I really do not want to endure the hate and vitriol which so frequently gets directed towards anyone who may express any sympathy at all for Muslims, refugees, asylum seekers or migrants.