The Arab Americans / Randa A. Kayyali.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kayyali, Randa.

Series:

New Americans (Westport, Conn.)

The new Americans

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Arab Americans--History.

Arab Americans.

Arab Americans--Social conditions.

Arab Americans--Social life and customs.

Immigrants--United States--History.

Immigrants.

Emigration and immigration.

History.

United States.

Arab countries--Emigration and immigration.

Arab countries.

United States--Emigration and immigration.

Physical Description:

xviii, 177 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 2006.

Summary:

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. 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 as it 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, many from Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. The continuing interest in the Middle East, Islam, and the Muslim way of life makes this a must-have source for those seeking to understand current events and our multicultural society.

Beginning with a broad political and social history of the Arab world since the advent of Islam in 632 C.E., Kayyali takes care to be inclusive of the different groups who can be classified as "Arab." The discussion of who these people are, with their different religions and beliefs, is an enlightening base upon which to build an understanding of their experiences as Arab Americans. Early immigrants typically became peddlers or worked in the new factories and mills. The assimilation and adaptations of these earliest Arab immigrants is discussed, and readers will learn about family issues, women's 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 effects of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. A sampling of noted Arab Americans, such as Ralph Nader, a glossary, statistical tables, and photographs are included as well.

Contents:

1 The Arab World: The Geography, History, People, and Cultures 1

The Language and the Lands 1

Short History of the Arabs 2

Cultures 10

Islam 13

Minorities 16

2 Coming to the United States 23

U.S. Immigration Laws 23

Causes and Characteristics of Immigration 26

Settlement Patterns 35

3 Race and Ethnic Classifications 45

At Ports of Entry 46

Social Constructs of Race before 1965 46

As Minorities 54

In the Census 56

Identity 61

4 Cultural Adaptation 65

Family Issues 65

Women's Issues 77

Language 83

Food 84

Arab American Media and Communications 85

Religion 87

5 Identities within the Community 97

Demographics 98

Work and Economic Profiles 100

Intragroup Divisions and Issues 104

Social Clubs and Networks 111

Holidays and Celebrations 115

6 Impact on U.S. Society 121

Music, Festivals, and Dance 122

Literature 125

Visual Arts 128

Theater, Storytelling, and Documentaries 130

The Arab American National Museum and Other Collections 132

Political Activism and Organizations 132

Academia 138

Integroup Relations 139

The Impact of September 11 on Arab Americans 144

The Future 147

Appendix A Census Statistics of Arab Americans, 1970-2000 151

Appendix B Noted Arab Americans 153

Appendix C Immigrants Admitted by Region and Country of Birth: Fiscal Years 1989-2004 159.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [167]-171) and index.

Arab American Book Award - Adult Non-Fiction, Honorable Mention, 2007

ISBN:

0313332193

OCLC:

61529796