Experiences of Racism Among Muslim Americans Post-9/11: Analysis of #afterseptember11

Background: Social media provides a platform for people of color to share their lived experiences. Globally, people connect through various online mechanisms, including posting stories, live streaming, reposting content, and using hashtags to express their interests or join social movements. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Muslim, Arab, South Asian and Sikh Americans experienced an increase in hate crimes, racial profiling, Islamophobia, anti-Muslim prejudice, bias, and other acts of racism and discrimination. Since September 11, 2001, Muslim leaders, known as imams, have reported an increased need to counsel Muslims in their congregation who have experienced discrimination. A systematic literature review of 53 peer-reviewed studies examining Islamophobia demonstrated associations between Islamophobia and poor mental health, suboptimal health behaviors, and unfavorable health care–seeking behaviors. Similarly, in a 2006 study of 222 British Muslims, respondents indicated that following 9/11, levels of implicit or indirect discrimination rose by 83% and experiences of overt discrimination rose by 76% with 34% of participants likely suffering from mental health problems. Starting on the 15th anniversary of 9/11 in 2016, the hashtag #afterseptember11 has been used every year by Muslim, Arab, South Asian, and Sikh Americans to share their experiences of racism, discrimination, and microaggressions. The aim of the present study is to analyze the hashtag #afterseptemeber11 on the social media platform “X,” formerly known as “Twitter.”

Methods: The authors collected tweets using the hashtag #afterseptember11 on the social media platform “X,” formerly known as “Twitter,” that had been posted over the past eight years. The research team then coded and analyzed the posts, using thematic content analysis. Coding discrepancies were resolved by discussion and consensus was reached on all coding decisions.

Results: The major categories of tweets included experiences shared, the impact of experiences on individuals, families, and communities, and policy/advocacy efforts. The following themes emerged from the category of experiences shared: (1) targeted violence and hate, (2) misperceptions and stereotypes, (3) rights being stripped, and (4) fear. The hashtag was also used by individuals to threaten and insult those using this hashtag to share their stories.

Conclusions: The results of this study reveal that Muslim, Arab, South Asian, and Sikh Americans continue to face discrimination, microaggressions, and assaults due to their perceived racial identities. Social media analysis has much to teach scholars and the public about racism. We detail how we approach internet research, guided by principles of a trauma-informed framework, aided by recommendations from the Association of Internet Researchers Ethics Working Committee for ethical decision-making in internet research, and incorporating principles guiding antiracist research. Researchers will also give recommendations on how to use these frameworks to guide future social media and internet research that lifts the lived experiences, stories, and voices of marginalized communities.