Stereotyping Muslim names in German textbooks draws ire

A German government research showing stereotyping of Muslims in school textbooks has triggered condemnations from leaders of the religious community, warning that such content emphasizes frictions and conflicts between German society and immigrants

A German government research showing stereotyping of Muslims in school textbooks has triggered condemnations from leaders of the religious community, warning that such content emphasizes frictions and conflicts between German society and immigrants.

An Islamic figure said that textbooks impose on little children ideas that foreigners are bad and are involved in theft and violence.

He said that some books even contain examples of stealing by using characters with traditional Muslim names like Ahmad.

Referring to widely-spread misconceptions about the Muslim community, he added that there was already a general lack of knowledge about foreigners and Muslims in the country, which was compounded by negative comments and judgments in textbooks.

Almost a quarter even believe that more than 21 percent of the population in Germany is Muslim, while in reality there is around five percent.