Working with Arab Americans

1. Working with Arab Americans

2. Stereotypes • Arab Americans are descended from Nomadic Desert Tribes • They Come from Oil-Rich Middle Eastern Countries • They May Have Terrorist Connections • They May be Members of a Violent Islamic Fundamentalist Religion

3. Stereotypes • Arab American Women Are Subservient to the Men • Arab Americans Look Different

4. Past Connections • First Wave • 1875 to 1920 • Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine • Primarily farmers or village artisans • Second Wave • From late 1940’s • Immigrated from many countries • Wanted to escape civil wars, famine & hardship after WWII • Primarilyeducated, bilingual, & politicized

5. Current Profile • 1% of U.S. Population • Geographical Aspects • 90% are urban dwellers • Northeast - Arab Americans most likely found • Midwest - Detroit-Dearborn, Cleveland, Chicago, Toledo • South - Southern Federation of Syria-Lebanon Clubs • West - So. California & San Francisco Bay Area

6. Current Profile • Demographics • Young and growing population • Twice as many Arab Americans earn advanced degrees • Self-employed, managerial & professional jobs • Have the highest mean income of any U.S. group • Family Size – depends on length of time in U.S.

7. Common Threads of ArabCultures • Arabic Language • Most unifying factor in Arab culture • Poetic, spiritual, emotional & sensuous • World Views • In Muslim homeland – Allah’s will • Arab American identity is a compromise between two cultures

8. Common Threads of Arab Cultures - Religions • Muslim 23% - Christian 77% • Muslims • More difficult to integrate due to differences in religious beliefs that affect social practices • Integration of church & state • Non-Arab Muslims • The Quran and Five Pillars of Islam • Religious Education • Maintains social rules & expected behavior

9. Common Threads of ArabCultures Family Values & Customs • Family is more important than individual • Families are patriarchal & extended • Family name is guarded by all members • Female modesty & chastity reflect on honor of men, family, and community • Members of an extended family help each other to immigrate • Arabs do not make casual friendships

10. Common Threads of Arab Cultures • Gender Issues • Vary by country of origin, rural or urban area, and length of time in U.S. Muslim Households • Dramatically different sexual standards for males & females • Males acquire more material objects than girls and have much more freedom • Marriages are arranged in home countries and recent immigrants tend to follow suit

11. Common Threads of Arab Cultures -Muslim Social Customs • Physical Space – Closest physical proximity • Handshaking - Religious Reasons • Men may not touch or make direct eye contact with any non family female • Remaining untouched near prayer time • Body Covering • Not universally observed - varies by region & class • Food- Muslims do not eat pork

12. Leadership Challenges & Opportunities • Don’t assume they’re Arab or Middle East Experts • Give Stereotyping Protection • Get to know them as individuals • Recognize their personal strengths and potentials • Independent, well educated, productive • Capitalize on their networking skills