Dr Amtul Kafi Yadullah Bhunnoo, London
In 2024, the planet Earth surpassed the critical threshold of a 1.5 °C increase in average global temperatures above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Climate scientists confirmed this alarming milestone on January 10, 2025, indicating that the world has, at least temporarily, failed to adhere to the targets set by governments to mitigate the dire consequences of climate change[i].
Amid this looming crisis, some may look to figures like Elon Musk, a space entrepreneur, for salvation, envisioning a bold leap to Mars[ii]. But one must wonder: Is Mars truly a suitable refuge for all that troubles humanity? Back to the Earth, recently Elon Musk accused the British Prime Minister of being “complicit in the rape of Britain” owing to his record as former director of public prosecutions and labelled the British Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips a “witch” and “rape genocide apologist”[iii]. With Elon Musk’s personal history and a track record of reportedly inappropriate behaviour, it’s difficult not to question his regard for women especially after his comments for the Safeguarding Minister[iv].
In recent times, Elon Musk’s controversial remarks have also sparked accusations of racism, casting him as a self-serving figure in the media landscape. His rhetoric, often directed from the comfort of the USA to the UK, seems more designed to stir discord than to promote unity. One cannot help but speculate whether he aims to target Muslims, normalising their mistreatment under the guise of debate.
The current media frenzy surrounding grooming gangs, reignited by Elon Musk —especially the focus on Pakistani men as perpetrators—has spread like wildfire, despite statistics indicating that the typical member of such gangs is overwhelmingly white[v]. This renewed fixation on ethnicity and nationality echoes the prejudiced rhetoric of the past, reminiscent of the “Paki-bashing” slurs that have long haunted British society[vi].
The political climate, meanwhile, showcases people more invested in pushing personal agendas than in addressing real concerns. Some research funded by specific business interests appears similarly biased. As sensationalised headlines flood our screens, a false narrative emerges that Pakistani Muslim men are a direct threat to white women, even though most sexual offenders in the UK are, in fact, white men. Data published by National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has shown that most offenders have been white with over 80% cases while Pakistani have made up to less than 15%. However, NPCC noted that ethnicity data was only available for 34% of suspects in 2023 and 39% in early 2024, with Q4 2024 data still pending. So, the Pakistani ethnicity is a perception of the police of any Asian man caught[vii]. Richard Fewkes, the director of the NPCC’s Hydrant programme targeting child sexual abuse cautioned that heightened focus on grooming gangs may overlook other forms of child sexual abuse, including familial abuse.
Political correctness may have quieted down people, such as some MPs apologising after racial abuse, only to save their seat without consequences[viii]. If we also look at the rise in racism, this only provokes more hatred towards any “brown” man or woman, but especially at the hijab wearing Muslim woman.
The troubling rise in fetishisation of the hijab correlates with disturbing trends in how some men perceive Muslim women, objectifying them rather than recognising their humanity[ix]. This vicious cycle of misunderstanding and suspicion serves only to aggravate the unrest in our communities, closely intertwined with issues like poverty and inequality.
Currently the issue of child sexual abuse is not being given its due attention, however, an ethnicity is being falsely maligned to incite reaction against them and to further trap people in these cycles of bigotry and fear. I urge Elon Musk and others in power to truly focus on protecting the children, respecting women and showing compassion to their fellow beings. It’s time to break free from these divisive patterns and work towards a more inclusive future.
[i] Earth breaches 1.5 °C climate limit for the first time: what does it mean?
[ii] Elon Musk: “We’re going straight to Mars. The Moon is a distraction.” – Ars Technica
[iii] Most grooming gang offences carried out by white men, police chiefs say | The Independent
[iv] Elon Musk had relationships with several women at SpaceX and pestered one to have his children, report says | The Independent
[v] Most grooming gang offences carried out by white men, police chiefs say | The Independent
[vi] Defiance: How South Asians Fought Back Against the Fascists
[vii] Grooming gangs: Police ‘do not accurately understand issue’ – BBC News
[viii] Most non-white UK MPs have experienced racism, study – POLITICO
[ix] Desiring Empire: The Colonial Violence of “Hijab Pornography” | SpringerLink
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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