Did you know that there are approximately 3.7 million Arab Americans living in the United States today¹? Did you know that they come from different countries, cultures, and religions? Did you know that they have made tremendous contributions to American society, politics, economy, arts, and science?
In this article, we will discuss the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans, an ethnic and religious group that is often misunderstood and overlooked by many. We will explain who Arab Americans are, where they come from, what their beliefs and values are, how they adapt to the challenges and changes they face, and what their achievements and accomplishments are.
We hope this article will give you greater insight and appreciation for Arab Americans, one of the most diverse and colorful groups in the American mosaic. We also hope it inspires you to learn more about Arab Americans, and to interact with them with respect and curiosity.
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| Arab Americans: History, Culture, and Contributions |
Who are Arab Americans?
Arab Americans are people who have ancestry or identity from Arab countries, which are countries that are members of the Arab League, a regional organisation of 22 countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa². These Arab countries are: - Algeria - Bahrain - Djibouti - Egypt - Iraq - Jordan - Kuwait - Lebanon - Libya - Mauritania - Morocco - Oman - Palestine - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Somalia - Sudan - Syria - Tunisia - United Arab Emirates - Yemen However, not all people who come from these Arab countries identify themselves as Arab Americans. Some of them prefer to identify themselves by country of origin, ethnicity, religion, or a combination of all three. For example, there are Egyptian Americans, Kurdish Americans, Muslim Americans, or Coptic Americans.
Conversely, there are also people who identify themselves as Arab Americans, even though they are not from Arab countries. Some of them come from countries that border Arab countries, such as Turkey, Iran, or Chad, or from countries that have historical or cultural ties with Arab countries, such as Malta, Cyprus, or Eritrea.
So, who can be called an Arab American? There is no definitive or easy answer to this question, as Arab American identity is complex, dynamic and subjective. Arab American identity is influenced by various factors, such as family background, migration experiences, social interactions, political context, and personal choices.
However, there are some factors that are commonly used to define Arab Americans, namely:
- Arabic: Arabic is the official language of the Arab countries, and is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Arabic has various dialects and variants, depending on the region and group that uses it. Arabic also has a unique writing system, which uses Arabic letters that differ from the Latin letters used in English. Arabic is one of the factors that unites Arab Americans, as they can communicate and share information by using a common language.
- Arabic Culture: Arabic culture is the culture that developed from the civilizations and traditions that existed in the Arab region since ancient times. Arabic culture includes various aspects, such as art, literature, music, architecture, food, clothing, customs and values. Arab culture is also influenced by various factors, such as religion, ethnicity, history, geography and politics. Arab culture is one of the factors that distinguish Arab Americans, as they have traits and characteristics that are distinctive and different from other cultures.
- Arab heritage: Arab heritage is the heritage passed down from ancestors or ancestors who came from Arab countries. Arab heritage can be shown through names, ancestry, or genetics. Arab heritage is one of the factors that connect Arab Americans, as they share the same or similar roots or origins.
Relations with Americans
Relations with Americans are an important and complex aspect of the Arab American experience. Arab Americans have faced various challenges and opportunities in their interactions with their fellow citizens, ranging from discrimination and stereotyping to acceptance and appreciation.
On the one hand, Arab Americans have often encountered negative attitudes and behaviors from some Americans, especially after certain events or incidents that involved the Middle East or the Arab world. For example, after the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the anti-immigration movements, Arab Americans faced increased suspicion, hostility, and violence from some segments of the American society, media, and government. Arab Americans were often labeled as foreigners, terrorists, fanatics, or anti-Americans, without regard for their background, identity, or contribution. Arab Americans were also often subjected to hate crimes, harassment, or human rights violations.
On the other hand, Arab Americans have also found positive attitudes and behaviors from some Americans, especially after certain events or incidents that involved the Middle East or the Arab world. For example, after the Arab Spring in 2010, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Arab Americans received more support, solidarity, and recognition from some segments of the American society, media, and government. Arab Americans were often praised as allies, friends, heroes, or Americans, with respect for their diversity, culture, and achievement. Arab Americans were also often offered assistance, protection, or inclusion.
To improve and maintain their relations with Americans, Arab Americans have taken various steps and strategies, such as:
Education and awareness: Arab Americans have tried to increase education and awareness about their history, culture, and contribution, both among themselves and among the wider society. They have done this by creating and supporting educational programs, publications, research, or exhibitions related to Arab Americans. They have also done this by participating and collaborating with educational, cultural, or media institutions that are relevant.
Organization and advocacy: Arab Americans have tried to form and develop organizations and advocacy that represent and protect their rights and interests, both at the local, national, and global levels. They have done this by creating and supporting organizations that focus on issues such as civil rights, social justice, peace, health, or environment. They have also done this by participating and collaborating with other organizations that have similar goals or agendas.
Expression and creativity: Arab Americans have tried to show and explore their expression and creativity, both in the fields of art, literature, music, film, or other forms. They have done this by producing and supporting works that reflect and celebrate their identity and heritage, as well as criticize and challenge issues that are relevant to them. They have also done this by participating and collaborating with artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, or other creators who are from or inspired by Arab Americans.
Where do Arab Americans come from?
Arab Americans come from different countries, cultures, and religions, but they also have a shared history as immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. Arab Americans have immigrated to the United States since the late 19th century, and continue to arrive today. Arab Americans can be divided into three main waves of immigration, namely:
First wave (1880-1924)
The first wave of Arab American immigration occurred between 1880 and 1924, when around 250,000 Arabs, mainly from the regions of Syria and Lebanon that were still under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, came to the United States. They came to escape the political oppression, economic poverty, and social crisis in their homelands. They were also attracted by the opportunities and freedoms offered by the United States. They settled in various cities and states, such as New York, Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Louisiana. They worked as merchants, laborers, farmers, or professionals. They also formed communities and organizations that preserved their identity and heritage.
The second wave (1948-1966)
The second wave of Arab American immigration occurred between 1948 and 1966, when about 200,000 Arabs, mainly from the Palestinian territories, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Yemen, came to the United States. They came to escape the conflict and instability occurring in the Middle East, especially after the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, which led to war and displacement for many Arabs. They also came to pursue higher education and careers. They settled in various cities and states, such as New York, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and Michigan. They work as doctors, engineers, lawyers or academics. They also formed communities and organizations that supported their rights and interests.
Third wave (1967-present)
The third wave of Arab American immigration occurred from 1967 to the present, when about 800,000 Arabs, from almost all Arab countries, came to the United States. They came to escape wars, dictatorships, human rights violations, and humanitarian crises occurring in Arab countries, especially after the Arab-Israeli wars in 1967, 1973, and 1982, the Iranian revolution in 1979, the Iraq war in 1991 and 2003, the Lebanese civil war in 1975-1990, the Syrian civil war since 2011, and the Arab Spring since 2010. They also came in search of greater opportunities and progress. They settled in various cities and states, such as New York, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and California. They work in various fields, such as business, media, politics, sports or entertainment. They also form communities and organizations that promote their culture and heritage.
What are the beliefs and values of Arab Americans?
Arab Americans have diverse beliefs and values, which are influenced by various factors, such as religion, ethnicity, history, geography and politics. However, there are some beliefs and values that are common and important to Arab Americans, namely:
Religion: Religion is one of the most defining aspects of Arab American identity and culture. Arab Americans belong to various religions, such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Baha'i, Druze, or Zoroastrian. Religion provides them with moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance, as well as ways to worship, celebrate, and mourn. It also gives them a sense of community, solidarity and diversity.
Family: Family is one of the most important and respected aspects of Arab American life. Arab Americans have a broad concept of family, which includes not only parents, spouses and children, but also relatives, cousins and close friends. Arab Americans highly value family relationships, and strive to maintain harmony, loyalty, and obligation among family members. Arab Americans also have great respect for parents, and take care of them until old age.
Honor: Honor is one of the most upheld and proud aspects of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have a concept of honor that relates to the dignity, self-respect, and reputation of a person, family, or community. Arab Americans strive to maintain and enhance their honor, by behaving politely, honestly, fairly, and courageously. Arab Americans also strive to avoid and correct things that could damage or threaten their honor, such as lies, betrayal, violence, or humiliation.
Hospitality: Hospitality is one of the most highlighted and favored aspects of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have a concept of hospitality that relates to being friendly, generous, and open towards guests, neighbors, or strangers. Arab Americans are very happy and proud to welcome and serve others, by offering food, drink, shelter, or assistance. Arab Americans are also very appreciative and respectful of others, by greeting, thanking, complimenting, or giving gifts.
How do Arab Americans adapt to challenges and changes?
Arab Americans are a dynamic and adaptive group, who have adapted to the various challenges and changes they have faced since they came to the United States. Some of the challenges and changes they have faced are:
Discrimination and stereotyping
Arab Americans often experience discrimination and stereotyping from American society, media, and government, especially after events such as the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the anti-immigration movement. Arab Americans are often perceived as foreigners, terrorists, bigots, or anti-American, regardless of their background, identity, or contributions. Arab Americans are also frequently subjected to violence, harassment, or human rights abuse.
Assimilation and acculturation
Arab Americans often face pressures and challenges to conform to American culture and values, especially for second and third generations born or raised in the United States. Arab Americans must strike a balance between maintaining their identity and heritage, and participating in American society and politics. Arab Americans must also address conflicts and gaps between generations, genders and groups.
Identity and representation
Arab Americans often face difficulties and doubts in defining and expressing their identity and representation, especially in an increasingly pluralistic and complex society. Arab Americans must choose and negotiate between the various identities and representations available or possible to them, such as Arab, American, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or others. Arab Americans also have to create and fight for spaces and voices for themselves at the local, national and global levels.
To address these challenges and changes, Arab Americans are not passive or giving up. Instead, they are active and creative, and are taking various steps and strategies, such as:
Education and awareness
Arab Americans strive to increase education and awareness about their history, culture, and contributions, both among themselves and among the wider community. They do so by creating and supporting educational programs, publications, research, or exhibitions related to Arab Americans. They also do so by participating and collaborating with relevant educational, cultural, or media institutions.
Organization and advocacy
Arab Americans seek to establish and develop organizations and advocacy that represent and protect their rights and interests, whether at the local, national or global level. They do so by creating and supporting organizations that focus on issues such as civil rights, social justice, peace, health, or the environment. They also do so by participating and collaborating with other organizations that have the same or similar goals or agendas.
Expression and creativity
Arab Americans strive to showcase and explore their expression and creativity, whether in art, literature, music, architecture, food, clothing or otherwise. They do so by creating and supporting works that reflect and celebrate their identity and heritage. They also do so by participating and collaborating with artists, writers, musicians, architects, chefs, or designers who are of or inspired by Arab Americans.
What are the Contributions and Achievements of Arab Americans?
Arab Americans are a productive and accomplished group, who have made tremendous contributions and achievements to American society, economy, arts, and science. Some examples of Arab American contributions and achievements are:
Society
Arab Americans have played an active and positive role in American society, by being leaders, activists, volunteers, donors, or members of various organizations and movements that aim to promote well-being, justice, and peace for all people. Some examples of notable Arab American social figures are Ralph Nader, a lawyer and consumer activist; Helen Thomas, a journalist and author; Danny Thomas, an actor and founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; and Casey Kasem, a radio broadcaster and founder of American Top 40.
Politics
Arab Americans have participated and been influential in American politics, serving as candidates, officials, staff, or advisors of various parties, offices, and levels. They have also formed and supported political groups that represent and lobby for the interests and rights of Arab Americans. Some examples of notable Arab American figures in politics are George Mitchell, a senator and diplomat; John Sununu, a governor and White House chief of staff; James Zogby, a political analyst and founder of the Arab American Institute; and Rashida Tlaib, a member of Congress and one of the first Muslim women elected.
Economy
Arab Americans have contributed and excelled in the American economy, by becoming entrepreneurs, managers, investors, or professionals from various sectors, industries, and companies. They have also created and developed successful and innovative businesses that provide jobs, products and services to society. Some examples of notable Arab American figures in the economic field are Steve Jobs, a founder and CEO of Apple; Paul Orfalea, a founder and CEO of Kinko's; Farouk Shami, a founder and CEO of Farouk Systems; and Tony Fadell, an inventor and CEO of Nest.
Art
Arab Americans have demonstrated and explored their talent and creativity in the American arts, by being artists, writers, musicians, actors, directors, or producers of various genres, media, and formats. They have also produced and supported works of art that reflect and celebrate their identity and heritage, as well as critique and challenge issues relevant to them. Some examples of notable Arab American figures in the arts are Khalil Gibran, a poet and painter; Edward Said, a critic and writer; Shakira, a singer and songwriter; and Rami Malek, an actor and Oscar winner.
Science
Arab Americans have provided and achieved advancements and discoveries in American science, by becoming scientists, engineers, doctors, or academics from various fields, disciplines, and institutions. They have also conducted and supported useful and innovative research and development, which improves knowledge, health, and quality of life for humans. Some examples of notable Arab Americans in the field of science are Ahmed Zewail, a chemist and Nobel laureate; Elias Zerhouni, a physician and director of the National Institutes of Health; Michael DeBakey, a physician and heart surgery pioneer; and Huda Zoghbi, a physician and neurology researcher.
Conclusion
Arab Americans are an ethnic and religious group with a rich and diverse history, culture, and contributions. They come from different countries, cultures, and religions, but they also have a shared history as immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. They share beliefs and values that are important and defining to their identity and culture, such as religion, family, honor, and hospitality. They have also adapted to the challenges and changes they face by raising education and awareness, forming organizations and advocacy, and showing expression and creativity. They have also made outstanding contributions and achievements to American society, politics, economics, arts, and science.
The key points of this article are:
- Arab Americans are people who have ancestry or identity from Arab countries, which are countries that are members of the Arab League, a regional organization of 22 countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
- Arab Americans have immigrated to the United States since the late 19th century, and continue to arrive today. Arab Americans can be divided into three main waves of immigration, namely the first wave (1880-1924), the second wave (1948-1966), and the third wave (1967-present).
- Arab Americans have diverse beliefs and values, which are influenced by various factors, such as religion, ethnicity, history, geography and politics. However, there are some beliefs and values that are common and important to Arab Americans, namely religion, family, honor, and hospitality.
- Arab Americans have adapted to the challenges and changes they have faced by increasing education and awareness, forming organizations and advocacy, and showing expression and creativity.
- Arab Americans have made outstanding contributions and achievements to American society, politics, economics, arts and sciences by becoming leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists or professionals from various fields, sectors and companies.