Believe Quote by Daayiee Abdullah
“I think that, generally, when it's a white male shooting, then it's mental illness is the first thing that they utilize after reporting the crime. But in this instance, a Muslim, it's always terrorism. So it's always a direct attack towards Muslims, who are American citizens, and as well as other individuals who are here who believe in their faith. And we find that we are now in a position again of trying to protect ourselves, and, again, in some instances, causing people to become more sequestered in their day-to-day lives.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public commentary, 2023
The quote highlights a perceived double standard in labeling violent acts based on the perpetrator’s identity, suggesting bias in societal and media responses.
In simple terms: People see bias in how crimes are labeled depending on who commits them.
Recognize and challenge double standards in media narratives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- media critique
- community dialogue
- law enforcement training
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do media narratives shape public perception of crime?
- What steps can reduce bias in reporting violent incidents?
The statement may oversimplify complex motives and ignore individual mental health factors.