Arab American Stereotypes

Arab American Arab Americans highly value immediate and extended family. They see education as an asset for the family, religion, and social status. Most look at family as the body of its existence and stress the importance and well-being of the group above that of the individual. Within the Arab community religious practices range from Christianity to Judaism to Islam as well as several other faiths. During and after migration to the United States, several religions underwent transformations and updates which are partly from the influences of the European American culture in which they have assimilated.

Many Arab Americans follow a strict diet forbidding the consumption of pork and alcohol. They also participate in a month of fasting

Many in the Arab community still suffer from discrimination and harassment in society, religious establishments and even the education system.

One of the most difficult problems Arab American youth face is the stereotype that all Arabs are terrorists. Most are depicted as villains, evil, having bad behavior, or the enemy in many movies, television shows, and cartoons. Many people assume that women and girls who cover their hair with the traditional scarves called hajib are forced to wear them when in actuality it is a personal choice.

When working with Arab Americans it is of the utmost importance to remember that culture and religion are not the same thing. Nevertheless, similarities may exist, while differences are prominent from community to community. Social criticism is a sensitive subject for this race, accordingly, care is needed when parents are informed of student failures and difficulties. Encourage families to participate in activities and be part of the daily education of their children. Offer educational opportunities to parents and family so the acculturation and language barriers can be lessened