Perhaps denying the existence of something is what enables it to swell, spread, and garner sanction. This was true for French and American politicians’ claim that “racism does not exist” because their societies were, magically, colorblind.

XREF: Connects to the broader concept of taboo and suppression strengthening what they target. Could also relate to gaslighting dynamics in institutional contexts.

Khaled A. Beydoun, The New Crusades_ Islamopho…, loc. 347