Posters demonstrating how people can challenge Islamophobic harassment without getting into a direct confrontation with the aggressor are being installed across the US city of Boston, Massachusetts.
They recommend witnesses focus on the person being targeted, sitting with them and engaging them in conversation while ignoring the attacker.
The cartoon guide was drawn by Paris-based artist Maeril, and translated into English for Facebook group The Middle Eastern Feminist.
The posters promote a non-confrontational approach to combating Islamophobic harassment. Source: Maeril/City of Boston
According to the Associated Press, the technique is described as “'non-complementary behaviour’, and is intended to disempower an aggressive person by countering their expectations".
“These posters are one tool that we have to send the message that all are welcome in Boston,” Boston mayor Marty Walsh told AP.
“Education is key to fighting intolerance.”
Yusuf Ali from the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Centre told AP the current United States government has changed the political climate.
“The Boston-Muslim community is certainly feeling what the rest of the nation is feeling: a lot of uncertainty and a sense of insecurity,” he said.
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