Since the Paris attacks in November we’ve seen an alarming increase in cases of anti-Muslim abuse [3], from violent physical assaults to the firebombing of mosques. Despite this, inciteful political rhetoric has become more audacious and gone on to help develop a heightened state of hysteria. While the response of many right-wing political figures in the United States has been more stammering against “all violence [4],” Hillary Clinton has been celebrated for a noticeably contrasting position.
Hillary Clinton has responded directly to rising GOP jingoism with inclusive rhetoric, calling Muslim-Americans “brothers and sisters [5]” and refusing to use the term “radical Islam [6],” arguing that it “sounds like we are declaring war against a religion.” At cursory view this appears to be a meritorious rejection of prevailing sentiment, but upon further examination of Clinton’s policies, this bold refrain presents itself as shameless opportunism.