The Reduction of Islam and Muslims in Ontario's Social Studies Textbooks

Abstract

Representations of Islam in Ontario’s social studies textbooks portray a dehistoricized view of a religion that is disconnected from other monotheistic religions. The varied and complex socio-political and ideological locations of Muslims in historical and current contexts are reduced to simplistic, often negative representations, either as irrational aggressors or victims of poverty and underdevelopment. More nuanced, historically grounded, and multifaceted representations are called for, in order to both reflect and promote a more inclusive society in Ontario.