Twitter responds hilariously to Fox News' Islamophobic Birmingham comments
- Text by Shelley Jones
![Twitter responds hilariously to Fox News' Islamophobic Birmingham comments](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/twitter-fox-news-facts_2023-03-27-080949_qdqv.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Xenophobia is not funny. But the best way to beat a bully is to laugh at them. Such is the genius of #foxnewsfacts a satirical hashtag, trending on Twitter at the moment, in reaction to Fox News’ claims yesterday that Birmingham is a no-go zone for non-Muslims.
Capturing the height of the anti-Islam hysteria sweeping the world after the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, the Fox News’ report – which features ‘terrorism expert’ Steven Emerson – seems to suggest that Birmingham is some sort of Islamic state and you’re constantly under threat in London if you don’t wear a burka.
The claims are, of course, absolutely, laughably ridiculous – although terrifying when you consider Fox News is a legitimate news organisation that many Americans will rely on for information. In fact, the comments exemplify a common problem in public rhetoric at the moment where people confound Islam, in all its varied factions, with extremism. There is no ‘evil empire’ guys. C’mon, wake up.
Thankfully, Twitter has showed that not everyone is buying into the propaganda. Inspired by the humorous responses, we’ve curated some of our favourites. Check them out below.
Steven Emerson has since apologised for the comments, calling them a ‘terrible error’.
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.38.26](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.38.26.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.38.03](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.38.03.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.37.47](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.37.47.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.35.42](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.35.42.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.35.29](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.35.29.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.35.20](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.35.20.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.34.52](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.34.52.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.34.10](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.34.10.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.33.57](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.33.57.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.33.06](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.33.06.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.32.47](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.32.47.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.32.37](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.32.37.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.32.12](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.32.12.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.31.04](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.31.04.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
![Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.30.52](https://images.huckmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Screen-Shot-2015-01-12-at-10.30.52.png?w=1200&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Latest on Huck
![“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/332218299_653673959895869_4114766209936780526_n_2024-07-26-125639_apuo.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap
After seeking to “enhance” the King’s Speech by voting for the scrapping of the controversial two child benefit cap, the MP for Poplar and Limehouse lost the Labour Whip.
Written by: Apsana Begum
![Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Huck81_Socials_HeroImage_SkateboardingIsNotASubculture_240618_V2-1.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?
With skate’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kyle Beachy asks what it means for the culture around the sport, and whether it’s possible to institutionalise an artform.
Written by: Kyle Beachy
![Autism cannot be cured — stop trying](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/shutterstock_2322534063.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
![Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Hashem-Shakeri-from-the-series-_Staring-into-the-Abyss_.-%C2%A9-Hashem-Shakeri.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
![Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/web-Eyanna-has-always-been-Maliks-primary-caregiver.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/7_ULTRAMAGNETIC-MCS_NYC-1990.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen