From Stereotypes to Sentiments: A Qualitative Study on Millennial Attitudes towards Muslims and their Root Causes

This study aimed to explore the millennials attitudes towards Muslims and their root causes. Phenomenological approach was used to analyze the experiences of millennials towards Muslims and the root causes of their negative attitudes and perceptions. The participants in this study were the millennials. The study was conducted in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat located along the mountainous coastal part of the province of Sultan Kudarat. Eligible roles may include but are not limited to school teachers and staff, out of school youth, registered business owner establishments, registered farmers and fishermen, livelihood program beneficiaries of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Local Government Unit employees. A total of ten (10) millennial participants voluntarily consented to participate in this study. The researchers used open-ended questions through an in-depth interview to effectively get the primary data. The study highlights themes such as trust and unpleasant experiences with a sub-theme of mistrust of differences, encounter with a Muslim, and injustice; stereotyping and terrorism perception with a sub-theme of terrorist act on media and Muslims practice terrorism; peace building with a sub-theme of no equal representation, and leader’s attitude; Muslim attributes with a sub-theme of traitor, unwelcoming, and audacious. These finding suggest that respondents' negative sentiments and attitudes towards Muslims stem from a variety of factors. First, there's an underlying theme of mistrust and differences, indicating a lack of understanding or acceptance of cultural or religious diversity. Additionally, negative encounters with Muslims, characterized as "sad encounters," seem to have contributed to the negative perceptions. Furthermore, perceptions of injustice perpetrated by Muslims, possibly in personal or societal contexts, have influenced attitudes. Media portrayal linking Muslims and Islam to terrorist acts appears to have played a significant role in shaping negative perceptions, reinforcing stereotypes and biases. Moreover, the association of Muslims with specific terrorist groups has likely fueled fear and prejudice. Lack of equal representation in elected positions suggests a systemic issue of underrepresentation, which can exacerbate feelings of marginalization or discrimination. The attitudes and behaviors of Muslim leaders also seem to have impacted respondents' perceptions, possibly indicating a lack of positive role models or leadership. Terms like "traitor," "unwelcoming," and "audacious" further highlight the negative connotations associated with Muslims, suggesting perceived betrayal, hostility, or arrogance.