The Conversation Weekly
The 'Mo Salah effect' on reducing prejudice
May 8, 2025
Salma Mousa, an assistant professor of political science at UCLA, explores the 'Mo Salah effect'—how the famed Egyptian footballer reduces prejudice. She discusses how Salah's celebrity status fosters positive perceptions of Muslims in the UK. His influence has led to a notable 16% decrease in hate crimes in Merseyside and reduced anti-Muslim sentiments among fans. Mousa highlights the role of sports in promoting social cohesion and challenges surrounding ethnic integration, showing how notable figures can reshape societal attitudes.
18:15
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Quick takeaways
- Mohamed Salah's visibility as a practicing Muslim has led to a 16% decrease in hate crimes related to religion and race in Merseyside.
- Analysis of over 15 million tweets revealed a 48% reduction in anti-Muslim rhetoric among Liverpool supporters, showcasing the impact of celebrity influence on social attitudes.
Deep dives
The Mo Salah Effect on Islamophobia
Mohamed Salah's presence in Liverpool has had a significant impact on reducing Islamophobia among fans, reflecting the broader implications of celebrity influence on social attitudes. Research indicates that following Salah’s arrival in 2017 and subsequent success, there was a notable 16% decrease in hate crimes related to religious and racial issues in Merseyside. This decline is specifically associated with his visibility as a practicing Muslim, which allowed Liverpool fans to engage with a positive representation of Islam. The study suggests that celebrity exposure, in Salah’s case, serves as a scalable method to challenge biases that individuals may hold toward minority groups.
