Building a Shared Future: The Power of Words and Images

During the last decade, debates on the role of religion in the public space, migration, social cohesion and other issues have revealed increasing social tensions and polarisation in public opinion. Misperceptions and misinformation often dominate public dialogue about relations between Muslims and others. Although they don’t speak with the loudest voice, academics, scholars and thought leaders have a key role to play in helping to rebalance these debates by providing fact-based opinion and informed arguments. In the ‘Building a Shared Future’ series, these opinion leaders offer insights into the issues facing Muslims through American and European communities today.


In the decade since 9/11, the media and public opinion have propagated many misconceptions about Muslims and Islam, but there also exists great opportunity to use the media to correct them. This volume explores the representation of Islam in both the media and the public sphere.