SOCI 3306 MINORITY RELATIONS WASHINGTONArab American is a long and proud history. Arab Americans have made significant contributions to society. They are doctors, lawyers, and educators to name just a few. What Ill be discussing will be not only their contributions to society, but their stereotypes as well. To start off, Arab Americans have been assimilated into the American culture and society over the past hundred plus years. During this time there has been general loss of their historical culture. As generations continue to thrive, it was noticed that Arab Americans was losing touch with their past. An idea was formed ten years ago to create a cultural center where Arab Americans could go to study their heritage. These studies would include language and many other aspects of the Arab culture. The hardest part of this venture would be funding. Through years of fundraising, lobbying on capital hill and donations, the Arab American cultural center will become a reality in Houston Texas. When the cultural center opens in 2001, it will be the culmination of many hard years of work and sacrifice to give Arab Americans a way to reflect on their past, present and future. Arab Americans have been stereotyped for many, many years and are still undergoing the same treatment. In movies they are depicted as terrorists. In society as a whole they are seen as cab drivers and convenience store clerks (7-eleven). While Arab Americans do occupy some of these positions, so do whites and blacks. It is unfair to depict them in such an negative aspect because their contributions are much greater to society as a whole. Another stereotype is linking all Arab Americans to terrorist activities. Only .1% of Arab Americans has been linked with their counterparts in Southeast Asia. This is yet another typical yet unfair stereotype. Arab Americans are also thought of as being a large population in the prison system. This ...
