Mislabeling Arabs: Identity Lost in Translation

posted on: Jul 15, 2025

By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer

Arab Americans and Middle Eastern Americans maintain a distinct and frequently misunderstood position in American society. The general public may mix terminology such as Arab, Muslim, or Persian. However, these identities are separate, with significant historical, cultural, and religious roots. Fayzeh Abou Ardat, an Arab America contributing writer, discusses how mislabeling Arab American and Middle Eastern Americans erases important cultural and ethnic distinctions. She also notes that it influences how individuals manage their identity, sense of belonging, and representation in American culture.

Terminological Confusion

To understand the extent of mislabeling, it is necessary to distinguish between phrases that are frequently used interchangeably. Persian refers primarily to Iranians and represents an ethnic and cultural identity rooted in the historic Persian Empire and the Farsi language. Arabic refers to the language spoken by people from Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Muslim, on the other hand, is a religious classification. It applies to people from all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and Europe, not just Arabs or Persians.

Despite these obvious distinctions, many Americans continue to classify all Arab American and Middle Eastern people into a single category. For example, Iranians (Persians) are frequently confused for Arabs, and both are assumed to be Muslims despite the ethnic variety and religious plurality within these populations. Not all Arabs are Muslims (many are Christians), and not all Muslims identify as Arab or Persian.

Historical Roots of the Confusion

Part of the uncertainty arises from geopolitical battles and media depictions, particularly in the latter half of the twentieth century. The Iranian Revolution, the Gulf Wars, 9/11, and the growth of terrorist groups in the Middle East have all influenced popular perception, simplifying complex identities to simplified labels associated with danger or foreignness.

The US census has further added to the confusion. Historically, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) people have been classified as “white” on government documents, obscuring their distinct racial and ethnic identities. Efforts to establish a unique MENA category have been discussed but not widely adopted, complicating the portrayal of identity.

Personal and Social Consequences

For Arab American and Middle Eastern Americans, mislabeling can have profound psychological and societal effects. Many people report feeling stereotyped, alienated, or even targeted because of preconceptions about their perceived identity. For example, a Persian American may be mistaken for an Arab and, as a result, presumed to be Muslim. This can lead to Islamophobic discrimination, even if they are secular or belong to another faith.

This type of mislabeling can result in what scholars refer to as “identity dissonance,” a discrepancy between how people perceive themselves and how others perceive them. It can put pressure on people to minimize or change aspects of their identities in order to fit in or avoid discrimination. This issue is particularly prevalent among younger generations of Arab Americans. They may struggle to reconcile their ancestry with mainstream American identity.

Intra-Community Dynamics

Interestingly, the consequences of mislabeling extend beyond the external. Internal hierarchies and prejudices can form within the Arab American and Middle Eastern American communities. This happens as individuals try to distinguish themselves from unfavourable perceptions. Some Persians may distance themselves from Arabs because of nationalistic or historical differences. In response to Islamophobia, secular or non-Muslim individuals may want to differentiate themselves from the larger Muslim identity.

While these behaviours are appropriate in a harsh social environment, they might unintentionally reinforce the same oversimplifications and divisions that harm the community. Building unity among Middle Eastern Americans entails acknowledging common problems while appreciating the diverse histories of each group.

Accurate Representation

Correcting these myths begins with education and representation. Schools should adopt more comprehensive curricula to showcase the diversity of Middle Eastern cultures, religions, and history. The media also have an important influence in shaping public opinion. Casting Middle Eastern Americans in characters that go beyond stereotypes, such as terrorists, oppressed women, or religious fanatics, can assist in destroying harmful myths.

At the policy level, including the MENA category in government data collection would provide greater insight into the community’s demographics, issues, and contributions. This move would enable researchers, politicians, and advocacy groups to tailor their resources and efforts to actual needs rather than relying on inaccurate statistics.

Embracing a Multifaceted Identity

Finally, identity is a highly personal and dynamic term. Many Middle Eastern Americans identify as hybrids, such as Arab-American, Middle Eastern American, etc. to honor both their heritage and their American upbringing. Others may value religious identification more than ethnicity, or vice versa. Recognizing and embracing this complexity is critical for creating an inclusive society.

Mislabeling is a semantic issue to some. However, for individuals who live with its implications, it affects everything from how they are treated in public to how they perceive themselves in the mirror. Understanding the distinctions between being Arab American, Middle Eastern, Muslim, or Persian and acknowledging that none of these terms are interchangeable can go a long way toward validating Middle Eastern Americans’ identities and ensuring they are seen for who they truly are: diverse, dynamic, and deserving of accurate representation.

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