In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Sahar Aziz, a distinguished professor of law and director of the Center for Security and Race and Rights, about the profound impact of 9/11 on Muslim identity and civil liberties in America. Aziz introduces the concept of the "racial Muslim," explaining how the collective trauma and government overreach post-9/11 led to the racialization of Muslims, treating their religious identity as if it were a racial characteristic, resulting in systemic discrimination rather than just individual bigotry. The conversation explores how American-raised Muslims, accustomed to fighting for rights, grappled with this new reality, contrasting it with older generations' responses. They discuss the historical evolution of religious freedom in the U.S., critiquing contemporary shifts towards 'religious liberty' that prioritize certain faiths and contribute to ethno-nationalist tendencies, mirroring similar 'cultural wars' globally. Finally, Aziz offers actionable strategies for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of cross-racial coalitions, structural reforms, and active civic engagement to counter these increasingly authoritarian and discriminatory trends, stressing that those with privilege have a responsibility to contribute to a more equitable and just society.
Sahar Aziz's scholarship examines the intersection of national security, race, religion, and civil rights with a focus on the adverse impact of national security laws and policies on racial, religious, and ethnic minorities. She is the author of "The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom" and co-editor of "Global Islamophobia and the Rise of Populism." She also serves as the founding director of the Center for Security, Race and Rights. Professor Aziz is a recipient of the Derrick A. Bell Award from the Association of American Law Schools and was named a Middle Eastern and North African American National Security and Foreign Policy Next Generation Leader by New America in 2020 and a Soros Equality Fellow in 2021.