5 Key Points Identifying Arab American Students’ Societies
Recognition on university campuses for students belonging to the Arab-American community is challenging. They often face stereotyping in the distinct absence of any positive ethnic images.
For example, only a small number of Arab Americans are Muslim and yet in the United States, many people conflate the religion with all members of the Arab community. Religious and cultural misunderstandings result in tension and can even lead to violence. In a democratic society, it is important to find ways to address ethnic stereotypes and to become more inclusive.
They’re redefining their identity as Arab Americans
Arab students at college often feel as though they’re an invisible category on campuses.
On campus, the influence on their peers of misconceptions and inaccuracies can lead to hurtful experiences for Arab students. When they feel as though they are inferior, for many of them, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Many of them have difficulties with the English language and need help from Edubirdie, the premier essay writing service, to help them with their assignments. This can help them to succeed academically in spite of their language problems.
The Arabic language is a major world language spoken by about 200 million people and Arabs have a rich and living culture. Many Arab American students are consciously beginning to reclaim their ethnic identity and show pride in their heritage.
They are also proudly American and are slowly starting to redefine their identities and find their place.If more U.S. students traveled to countries like Saudi Arabia, they would have a different perception of the abundance and richness of Arab culture. Life in Saudi Arabia offers a travel guide for foreign students.
They’re reclaiming their right to freedom of expression
The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression. All people have the right to express their opinions and beliefs. For example, the right of students to join student organizations that address political issues is protected. Many other federal laws protect the rights of all citizens.
The fall of 2014 saw the creation of the Middle East and Arab Network. This is a student organization that creates spaces for students to talk about the issues inside and outside of their communities. Arab student societies across campuses are finding ways to build solidarity and champion for their rights.
Programs are developing on a number of campuses examining the issues that relate specifically to the experience of Arabs in the U.S., such as the portrayals in the media and the impact of government surveillance programs. Students are looking at how religion and culture become politicized and the impact it has on communities.
Racism means even intellectually gifted students battle
Arab nations offer economic support for free public education all the way through to university level. It is an inaccurate stereotype that they are poorly educated and ill-prepared for the intellectual challenges of university education.
However, even intellectually gifted Arab Americans are unable to live up to their true academic potential and complete academic tasks. Media portrayal of them, as well as racial stereotyping in essays and books, results in a very stressful environment for them on campuses.
Education textbooks are often Eurocentric, with the Arab point of view not being presented at all. Many of them rely on a highly-experienced custom essay writing service in order to complete their assignments because of their difficulties with the environment and the language. Writix is a leading name in this regard that serves students from the Middle-East and all other parts of the world.
There is a lack of Arab culture, literature and role models
Arab students often feel as though they have no role models they can identify with. The music industry, movies etc., tend to reinforce the stereotypes of Arabs as thieves, murderers and power-hungry brutes. It is important for educators to team up with the government, the media and the music industry to draw attention to Arab Americans who are role models.
Even the textbooks students have to study from a not bias-free. This reality detracts from their ability to achieve their full potential.
Arab American students no longer want to be seen as ‘outsiders’
There is a long-held stereotype that Arab Americans are outsiders. They are therefore disloyal and subversive. Students battle with the perception of their peers that they are more connected to their country of origin than to the U.S.
At a period in history when increasing hostility towards immigrants is being seen, it is important to cultivate the idea that there are different ways to be American and that there is an opportunity for building interethnic coalitions.
Arab communities often have deep roots in the U.S. and are hardly new immigrants. Arab American student societies are now holding campus-wide events to engage with all students in an attempt to change perceptions. Arab students are fighting against perceptions of being perpetual foreigners.
A final word about Arab American students
Arab American students have the challenge of being both Arab and American and struggling to find an identity that encompasses both. Many of them find the college environment hostile due to the stereotypes perpetuated by the media. The battle to achieve recognition and student societies are now coming together across campuses to discuss their issues and work towards a more inclusive future where they are regarded as an integral part of a diverse society.
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