We, the people

A survey conducted on behalf of the film-making team of Mulk  revels that the biases between the communities are indeed deep-rooted. Team Viva accesses shocking facts and figures

Mulk, the concept of a “country”, signifies a place where everyone is equal irrespective of their religion, ethnicity and caste. But an Attitudes Research, a survey which was conducted in 70 towns across 20 states in India, by the promoters of the movie directed by Anubhav Sinha, belies the claim. It has revealed the deep-seated insecurities of Muslims and the biases that the majority community harbours against them. It also reveals how the deep-rooted scepticism and stereotypes from the past still lurk in people’s conscience making togetherness seem like a distant dream.

As per the survey, in India more than one out of two or 52 per cent non-Muslims in India believe that Islam is the major cause of terrorism around the globe, whereas 44 per cent Muslims feel a majority of non-Muslims see them as terrorists.

While the terrorism statistics undoubtedly touch the skies, there is also a sense of uneasiness that is common. Around 45 per cent non-Muslims feel uncomfortable if a Muslim man with a beard and a cap sits next to them in a bus or at a public place. Around 35 per cent of them feel uncomfortable if it is a Muslim woman wearing a burkha.

The stats also reveal how the first basis to judge a person is his/her appearance and how it affects their social and personal identities. Around 24 per cent Muslims said that they have been advised to not keep a beard, wear a cap or a burkha to appear “normal.”

Every Pakistani is a Muslim but is every Muslim a Pakistani? The answer to this question for 37 per cent of non-Muslims is yes. They admitted that they have, at least once, seen a Muslim and slotted them as a Pakistani. Around 12 per cent non-Muslims, at least once, have actually referred to their Muslim friends as a Pakistani in jest. Over 27 per cent Muslims agreed to have been called a Pakistani on their face, at least once. And the men have it tougher than women. About 34 per cent Muslim men have been branded so as compared to 19 per cent Muslim women. Taking the rhetoric further, around 29 per cent Muslims have also been told that they should go to Pakistan.

Moreover, since the rivalry with our neighbouring country is often manifested in the cricket field, winning against Pakistan is considered mandatory. And it is here again that Muslims get bracketed. Around 44 per cent non-Muslims believe that when India plays Pakistan in a cricket match, the minority supports Pakistan rather than their own country. It is also borne out by the fact that 42 per cent of Muslims have been asked during an India-Pakistan match if they are supporting Pakistan instead of India.

Eating habits, too, have been put under the scanner given the current brouhua over beef. Here the biases run deep where 36 per cent non-Muslims believe Muslims who eat beef should be jailed. This perception is particularly strong in North India where 43 percent are for it. Another nine per cent non-Muslims believe that Muslims who eat beef should be lynched to death. But on the other hand, 45 per cent Muslims believe that their fellow Muslims should not eat beef as it hurts the sentiments of Hindus in India.

The biases are also reflected in the discrimination that Muslims often encounter in their lives. In various walks of life, 45 per cent Muslims have been denied a job at least once and 38 per cent of them have been denied a property (rent/ sale) because of their religion. And there is a reason as 43 per cent non-Muslims said they will feel uncomfortable if a Muslim family shifted into their neighbourhood. More than half of Indian Muslims, 54 per cent to be precise, believe that during a police case, he/she does not get a fair investigation because of his/her religion. There are other deep-seated biases. Muslims are more old-fashioned and backward compared to people of other religions in the country, believe 61 per cent of non-Muslims. This perception is particularly strong in the East where it soars at 76 per cent and North at 68 per cent.

The feeling that the “culture of India” does not match the culture of Muslims is a belief held by 61 per cent of non-Muslims. And the bias extends to them not being a part of India as 47 per cent  non-Muslims in India believe that India will be a better country if there are no Muslims in it. This perception is ever stronger in the metros (54 per cent), North India (58 per cent) and surprisingly South India (61 per cent). Almost two out of three non-Muslims in India hold Muslims responsible as the primary cause of India’s high population.

When asked what was the first thought that comes to their mind when they see a Muslim man in a beard and wearing a cap on the road, 58 per cent non-Muslims admitted harbouring negative thoughts, biases and making instant judgments.