AlterNet Comics: Marie-Shirine Yener on What to Do If You Witness Islamophobic Harassment
10 November 2016
Since Donald Trump won the presidency, there is evidence-based fear that members of the hateful, so-called "alt-right" may commit crimes against Muslims, Mexicans, people of color, LGBTQ people, the disabled, women, their allies, and pretty much anyone who calls out social injustice.
Two months ago, Parisian artist Marie-Shirine Yener made an illustration about how to help if you witness public harassment of a Muslim woman. As Bust points out, after the election, this may be handier now more than ever.
So arm yourself with this guide, illustrated below the text, and support the Muslim community. Much of this advice will help you to be more than a bystander if you witness any victims of harassment, no matter their faith, race, gender, orientation, etc.
What to Do If You Are Witnessing Islamophobic Harassment
A Bystander's Guide to Helping the Person Who's Being Targeted
1. Engage conversation.
Go to them, sit beside them and say hello. Try to appear calm, collected and welcoming. Ignore the attacker.
2. Pick a random subject and start discussing it.
It can be anything: a movie you liked, the weather, saying you like something they wear and asking where they got it.
3. Keep building safe space.
Keep eye contact with them and don't acknowledge the attacker's presence. The absence of response from you two will push them to leave the area shortly.
4. Continue the conversation until the attacker leaves and escort them [the victim] to a safe place if necessary.
Bring them to a neutral area where they can collect themselves; respect their wishes if they tell you they're OK and just want to go.