11 Ways Arab Millennials are Different from their Parents
By: Ani Karapetyan/Contributing Writer
Children of Arab immigrants who were born and grew up in the United States are different from their parents in many ways. Technically, they are Americans and consider themselves as Americans. However, just being American does not quite describe Arab millennials in the U.S. either. Rather, they are Arab Americans who are different from their parents who also are perceived as different from white Americans. Since Western culture promotes individualism, Arab Millennials mostly develop awareness and form opinions that differ from those of their parents.
Here are 11 ways Arab American Millennials are different from their parents:
1. More integrated
It is well known that in general, children integrate into new cultures more quickly than their parents. They speak English fluently much better than their parents, and in fact, they speak it without an accent. Children of Arab immigrants are more socially involved and acculturated. Sometimes too much integration of Arab millennials into a new society can lead to the gaps between traditional Arab parents and their children.
Because of lack of common experiences, mutual understanding becomes more difficult. This often causes family conflicts.
2. Less attached to their heritage and Arabic language
Arab American millennials are less emotionally attached to their cultural values, beliefs, customs, and traditions. They approach their heritage with curiosity rather than with emotional attachment.
3. More independent
Arab American millennials are more independent from their parents. The impact of parents on their decisions and actions lessens. This is a huge influence caused the American way of life which strongly encourages early independence. It is very common for Arab American millennials to move out from their family homes, while in traditional Arab families, physical separation of children and parents is acceptable only after their marriage. Since Western culture promotes individualism, Arab millennials develop awareness and form opinions that differ from those of their parents.
4. Intermarriages
Arab American millennials are open to marrying people from other ethnic and religious backgrounds. They do not see ethnic, race, or religion as an obstacle to a marriage. They usually resist parental pressures to accept partners from the same ethnic or religious background.
5. More open relationship between different genders
Arab American Millennials, compared to their parents, are more open towards the opposite sex. They hang out in public and go on dates. Arab American Millennials most likely will resist being matched by parents or a relative; they definitely will not marry the person without knowing him/her quite a while.
6. Well educated
Arab millennials are more educated than their parents. This is because they have opportunities for a better quality education, while most of their parents did not make education as a priority. The children are encouraged persistently to go for higher education; especially, that this is one big motive why the parents sacrificed the separation from their homeland, so they are able to acquire better opportunities for their children, so they can be better equipped economically.
7. Less religious
While Arab American Millennials are respectful for their parent’s faith, they are not likely to go to church or the mosque as their parents do. They have more tendency to be more relaxed and focus on other priorities.
8. Dress casually
Arab Millennials mostly wear casual clothes like most of other Americans, such as leggings, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, and boots. This can be a problem if the family wears traditional or religious attire. The parents, in this case, try to keep their children from casual clothing, stating that it’s too open and revealing.
9. They identify themselves as Americans
Arab American millennials have less connection to their native country than their parents. To the question “ Where are you from?” they would more likely answer: “What do you mean? I am American, but my parents are from…”
10. No knowledge of Arabic
Most Arab American Millennials do not speak Arabic. Despite the fact that in families they can hear Arabic all the time, their knowledge of Arabic can be limited in just understanding some basic daily conversation.
11. Less materialistic and less bragging
American culture promotes simplicity and spiritual values. Arab millennials who grew up in the United States are more focused on their self-development. Intensive reading, meditation, curiosity towards learning new things, and traveling are the biggest part of the lives of Arab youth. Modesty in behavior and lifestyle describes Arab millennials in the United States.
Finally, Arab American Millennials try to get the best of both worlds. They are Americans but proud of the land where their parents came from. It is believed that as millennials grow older, they become more attached to their parents’ culture, language, religion, and main beliefs.
