History of Arab Americans

Exploring Diverse Roots

Aminah Al-Deen

• Publisher: Greenwood
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9781440840692
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Modern History
• Index: History

This concise reference covers the diverse roots of Arabs in America, tracing the changing face of this community from the 19th century until today. From the restrictive immigration laws that the United States Congress passed against Arabs in the early 20th century to the backlash against this community following September 11, Arab Americans have faced both successes and challenges in their quest to become part of American culture. This timely study explores the history of this multifaceted people from their traditions, to their religious beliefs, to the role women play in society, their roots in war torn countries, and the impact of the War on Terrorism on their collective psyche. An easy-to-read narrative and chronologically arranged chapters reveal the enduring story of Arab American immigration and immersion. Topics include perceptions of Arab immigrants, being Arab American in an age of terrorism, framing an American identity, and faith, beliefs, and community practices—both Orthodox Christian and Muslim. Throughout the work, profiles of famous Arab Americans underscore the importance of this culture to our American identity, featuring St. Jude Children's Research Hospital founder Danny Thomas, rapper Omar Offendum, and others.

Table of contents

• Cover page
• Halftitle page
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Introduction
• Chronology of Key Dates in Arab American History
• CHAPTER ONE How Americans Learned about the Arab World, 1600–1900
• CHAPTER TWO Beginning to Settle or Not? 1890–1930
• CHAPTER THREE Arab Culture in America
• CHAPTER FOUR Faith, Beliefs, and Practices in Arab Christian and Muslim Communities in Plural America
• CHAPTER FIVE Political Organizing and Engagement
• CHAPTER SIX Women Anchors of Community
• CHAPTER SEVEN Representations of Arabs in American Media
• CHAPTER EIGHT The 9/11 Generations
• CHAPTER NINE Special Cases Iraq and Syria
• CHAPTER TEN Arab Americans Post–9/11
• CHAPTER ELEVEN Challenges to the Arab American Community in the 21st Century
• Bibliography
• Index
• About the Author