Stereotyping

Talking Points Memo talks about "The Year in Islamophobia".   

Meanwhile, I like this chart...

I was stunned by the rise in Islamophobia while I was back in the US.  More than once I thought where in the hell did this come from?

I have two answers:
1.  The economy.  When the economy is down people look for scapegoats.
2.  No George Bush.  The crazies had to keep in check while Bush was President.  Now that he's gone they're free to be, well, crazy.

Add a little hysteria from the Rush/Beck/Hannity that Muslims and the probably-Muslim-not-born-in-this country-president are out to get you and it is not surprising that Islamophobia is on the rise.