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New Books in Anthropology

Forgotten Ummah--Muslims in China

Aug 2, 2024
Darren Blyer, a sociocultural anthropologist at Simon Fraser University, dives deep into his book discussing Uyghur Muslims' struggles in Xinjiang. He connects the dots between islamophobia and capitalism, showcasing how these forces perpetuate violence against marginalized communities. The conversation unveils the history of colonialism impacting the Uyghurs, the politicization of surveillance, and narratives of oppression. Blyer emphasizes the critical role of friendship and solidarity in resisting state-sponsored violence, offering a poignant call for global awareness and support.
01:02:25

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The concept of terror capitalism illustrates how state-sanctioned violence against Uyghurs in Xinjiang is framed through Islamophobia and colonialism.
  • Reclaiming historical narratives is crucial in countering anti-Muslim sentiments and addressing the systemic oppression faced by Uyghurs in China.

Deep dives

Understanding Terror Capitalism

The discussion centers on the concept of terror capitalism, particularly in relation to the systemic dispossession experienced by the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. Over the past 30 years, Xinjiang has become increasingly recognized as a resource colony supplying significant portions of China's oil, natural gas, and cotton. This transformation resulted in the influx of Han Chinese settlers who have taken over the region's institutions and resources, exacerbating the conflict and leading to desperate conditions for the local Uyghur population. The overarching narrative illustrates how these economic and colonial dynamics set the stage for state-sanctioned violence against Uyghurs, equating their ethnic and religious identity with terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11.

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