Waubonsee Community College

The Arab Americans, Randa A. Kayyali

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-171) and index

illustrationsplates

index present

non fiction

The Arab Americans

bibliography

61529796

Randa A. Kayyali

The new Americans

Americans of Arab heritage have made major contributions to U.S. society, and this is a timely and unique overview of their immigration patterns, settlement, adaptation, and assimilation for a general audience. The first wave of Arab immigrants, mostly Christian men from Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, arrived in the United States between 1880 and 1925. This book discusses their history plus looks at the successive waves of immigrants, including the post-1965 immigrants, who have brought more diversity to the Arab American community. The latest immigrants have included more Muslims and many are from Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. The continuing interest in the Middle East, Islam, and Muslim way of life make this a must-have source to help understand current events and our multicultural societyThe book begins by giving a broad political and social history of the Arab world since the advent of Islam in 632 CE. Kayyali also takes care to be inclusive of the different groups who can be classified as ʺArab, ʺ and the discussion of who these people are, with their different religions and beliefs, is an enlightening base to understand their experiences as Arab Americans. Early immigrants typically became peddlers or worked in the new factories and mills. As they gave up thoughts of returning to their home countries, they fought to be classified as ʺwhiteʺ to gain citizenship, and the impact of the Census on their struggle is discussed in detail. Their assimilation and adaptations are discussed, and readers will learn about family issues, womenʼs issues, food, media, and religious practices in the Arab American communities. Within the larger Arab American community, the main issues of pan-Arab identification, Christian and Muslim identities, and generational differences are covered, along with their social networks and celebrations. A final chapter focuses on the impact of Arab Americans on U.S. society, from the arts to politics, with insight into intergroup relations and the impact of 9/11. A sampling of noted Arab Americans, such as Ralph Nader, a glossary, statistical tables, and photos are included as well. Publisher description

The Arab world : the geography, history, people, and cultures. The language and the lands ; Short history of the Arabs ; Cultures ; Islam ; Minorities -- Coming to the United States. U.S. immigration laws ; Causes and characteristics of immigration ; Settlement patterns -- Race and ethnic classifications. At ports of entry ; Social constructs of race before 1965 ; As minorities ; In the census ; Identity -- Cultural adaptation. Family issues ; Women's issues ; Language ; Food ; Arab American media and communications ; Religion -- Identities within the community. Demographics ; Work and economic profiles ; Intragroup divisions and issues ; Social clubs and networks ; Holidays and celebrations -- Impact on U.S. society. Music, festivals, and dance ; Literature ; Visual arts ; Theater, storytelling, and documentaries ; The Arab American National Museum and other collections ; Political activism and organizations ; Academia ; Intergroup relations ; The impact of September 11 on Arab Americans ; The future -- Appendix A : census statistics of Arab Americans, 1970-2000 -- Appendix B : noted Arab Americans -- Appendix C : immigrants admitted by region and country of birth : fiscal years 1989-2004