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.
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.
Economic Disparities and Social Disintegration
The economic policies implemented during China's Open Up the West campaign inadvertently fostered severe income inequality between the Han settlers and the Uyghur natives. This approach promised collective development but instead marginalized the Uyghurs, pushing them into urban areas while simultaneously elevating the cost of living and basic staples. As a result, Uyghurs became increasingly unable to participate in the burgeoning economy, culminating in extensive societal and cultural upheaval. The combination of forced assimilation and labor extraction transformed the Uyghur society into a precarious state where their cultural and religious identities faced erasure.
Rhetoric of Terrorism and State Surveillance
The podcast emphasizes how the label of terrorism has been weaponized to legitimize the Chinese government's oppressive actions against the Uyghurs. Following the events of 9/11, the Chinese state reframed its narrative to frame Uyghurs as terrorists rather than separatists, which has enabled a mass crackdown on their communities. Violence that would typically not be classified as terrorism has been criminalized under this category, providing a pretext for brutal government actions. Moreover, advanced surveillance tactics, influenced by international policing techniques, show how technological integration plays a pivotal role in subjugating the Uyghurs under the guise of national security.
Historical Narratives and Competing Claims
The podcast showcases how historical narratives shape the dynamics of oppression in Xinjiang and parallel situations in other parts of the world, such as Palestine and Kashmir. The Chinese state's portrayal of the Uyghurs as a newer group in their region is part of a broader effort to delegitimize their historical claims and cultural presence. This strategy resonates with similar tactics observed in other contexts, where narratives of supremacy fuel violence against marginalized groups. As such, the podcast emphasizes the importance of reclaiming historical narratives to counteract the anti-Muslim sentiments inherent in state-sanctioned violence.
This episode is the first of two episodes this season on Muslims in China. Here Claudia Radiven and Chella Ward talk to Darren Blyer about his book Terror Capitalism: Uyghur Dispossession and Masculinity in a Chinese City(Duke UP, 2022). Darren is a sociocultural anthropologist at Simon Fraser University, whose book explores how islamophobia and capitalism contribute to the violence against Uyghur Muslims in East Turkestan. Our conversation spans the history of China, the question of global Islamophobia and the importance of friendship.