Arabs In America Essay, Research Paper
Arab Americans
SOCI 3306 – MINORITY RELATIONS
BY
VERNE J. WASHINGTON
Arab American is a long and proud history. Arab
Americans have made significant contributions to society. They are
doctors, lawyers, and educators to name just a few. What I’ll be
discussing will be not only their contributions to society, but their
stereotypes as well.
To start off, Arab Americans have been assimilated into
the American culture and society over the past hundred plus years.
During this time there has been general loss of their historical culture.
As generations continue to thrive, it was noticed that Arab Americans
was losing touch with their past. An idea was formed ten years ago to
create a cultural center where Arab Americans could go to study their
heritage. These studies would include language and many other
aspects of the Arab culture. The hardest part of this venture would be
funding.
Through years of fundraising, lobbying on capital hill and donations,
the Arab American cultural center will become a reality in Houston
Texas. When the cultural center opens in 2001, it will be the
culmination of many hard years of work and sacrifice to give Arab
Americans a way to reflect on their past, present and future.
Arab Americans have been stereotyped for
many, many years and are still undergoing the same treatment. In
movies they are depicted as terrorists. In society as a whole they are
seen as cab drivers and convenience store clerks (7-eleven). While
Arab Americans do occupy some of these positions, so do whites and
blacks. It is unfair to depict them in such an negative aspect because
their contributions are much greater to society as a whole. Another
stereotype is linking all Arab Americans to terrorist activities. Only
.1% of Arab Americans has been linked with their counterparts in
Southeast Asia. This is yet another typical yet unfair stereotype. Arab
Americans are also thought of as being a large population in the prison
system. This is the worst stereotype of them all. Arab Americans
make up only 2 percent of the overall prison population in the United
States. I think this could stem from the older generation of Arab
Americans pasting down their customs of what was done to thieves in
their homeland. In Southeast Asia you can lose a hand for thievery.
The Arab Americans practice one religion. The name of the
religion is Muslim. Their bible is called the Torah and their god is Allah
and he is their salvation. Every year the Muslims practice a tradition
called Ramadan where they fast during the day light hours for two
weeks. When it’s over, they have a celebratory feast. In their lifetime,
every Muslim would like to take the journey to the “Holy Land”. By
the way, Muslims do not eat pork. They view the pig as an unholy and
unclean creature.
Arab Americans have been discriminated on for many years. It has
been stated that until the media takes a stance to support the Arab
Americans and their quest for equality in the United States, the Arab
Americans will have to work twice as hard to be noticed and obtain
Equality within society.