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.