Ramadan observes that Muslim Europeans are gradually settling down and engaging their neighbors and local governments. This constitutes a paradox for Muslims. In the near future, it means greater tension. “It's because Muslims are getting out of the social and geographical ghettoes and are becoming more visible,” Ramadan argues, “that there is this impression that Muslims in Europe are not integrating.” More visibility and activity from Muslims in the public sphere means that anxiety over Muslims will continue to rise to the surface. As the majority becomes more accustomed to the visibility of immigrant and religious minorities, and as there is more personal interaction with Muslim minorities, conditions will improve.

QUESTION: Ramadan implies tension eventually subsides with familiarity — but is there evidence that prolonged visibility actually reduces anxiety, or might it entrench it? XREF: This resembles contact hypothesis literature in social psychology (Allport) and the notion that integration begets backlash before acceptance.

Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Intro…, loc. 708