The Significant Power of the Arab Family
By: Yaseen Rashed/ Arab America contributing writer
The Arab family holds a lot of power and influence in each other’s lives. There is an emphasis on family in Arabic culture as it is seen as being the most important pillar in someone’s life. That is why parents are greatly respected in Arab society because they are seen as the family’s head/leaders. The following are ways that Arab families help each other by being there for one another.
Forever the rock for psychological Support
Arab parents will always have your back for psychological support. They always set aside time to check in with their children if they ever need to talk or figure things out. Arab families are there for each other if anyone is having a hard day or if they are struggling with something, you can always rely on your family to help you get through it. Sometimes all it takes is for someone in your family to hear you talk things out to feel a little better about your day
Forever the rock for financial support
Arab families will always be prominent financial support to each other. There’s a saying in Arabic that translates to “this house is your house” and is a common phrase we say when talking with our families. If anyone needed anything like money to borrow or even a house to stay in, Arab families always ensure that they take care of one another. Families are the first line of defense when it comes to this crisis. This aspect is also important because Arabs don’t want their family members to feel embarrassed when they don’t have money which entails a culture of giving before being asked to give.
Forever the rock for health support
Arab families take health very seriously. Aside from your mother making warm shai for you when you’re sick, Arab families will always make sure to take care of you when you need them to. Arab families will travel long distances to go see a sick loved one or just to be there for them. Many Arab Americans here will often go back to their countries and visit if a loved one got very sick, even though they’re halfway across the world. Arab families also show out when you need their support at a time of grieving. If anyone is experiencing a loss or if a family lost one of their own, Arabs will always pull together to make sure that everyone is ok. Whether through precooking meals for them or even managing guests, the family will always have your back.
Entertainment — visits locally, nationally, and internationally
Spending time with an Arab family is one of the most fun things you could do. Arab Families love entertaining guests over for dinner or shai while talking or watching the newest movie release on TV. regardless of you do, there is no doubt that spending time with an Arab family will make your day better. Arab families also love to laugh and have a good time remembering the good ol’ days back in their childhoods.
Partnerships and business
It is no doubt that Arabs are some of the most affluent businessmen and women in America. This could give Arab families a huge advantage as they probably know someone who could help you if you need any tips/ideas on business or even if you need a job. This could also be useful if you need a service or a product, Arab families could most likely get you a better deal through someone they know.
Educational Support
Education is a huge part of Arab culture. Arab families emphasize the importance of education from the first day of school to post-grad. They will always be there to motivate you every step of the way. Whether it’s through providing study snacks or lecturing about focusing on school, rest assured that your Arab family will have your back. Arab families are among the highest in the nation to attend college and a lot of that is thanks to all the motivation we get from our families
Matchmaking
No one knows you better than your family does so when it comes to dating/ marriage, Arab families usually try and set two people up together if they think they would be a good match. They usually are and end up with wonderful families. This is another example of how Arab families help their own in all aspects of life.
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