Arab American Children By: Kelsey Aubart

Cultural Characteristics Arabs are known for their cherished religious customs and traditions The Arab culture is young in the way that 25% of their population is under the age of 18. Arab women sometimes feel a double jeopardy. Parental discipline is gender specific in the Arab Culture Ex. The boy in the family is disciplined just like the girl, however unconditional love accompanies the discipline for boys.

Cultural Characteristics cont. Arab Americans value their families and take pride in their extended family members. Arab’s culture stresses on collectivism Decisions are made with the family in mind to keep stability Children are encouraged to look with in their own family units to solve problems rather than trying to figure it out themselves. Arab Americans invest in their children through education Seen as a social asset, and religious duty Arab families tend to be larger then American families The family is seen as the body, and the Quran the soul. Children mean more family pride and economic contributors.

Coming to America There are about 3.5 million Arab descendants 54% of the Muslim population in the U.S. is male, and 46% are female Many Arab American’s believe that individuals have the right to take care of themselves, the right to privacy, autonomy, and individual decisions. Majority of immigrants came from Lebanon, educated, and prosperous.

Religion and language Primary language is Arabic, the 4 th most widely spoken language. Many immigrants come to America already fluent in 2 or 3 languages. Majority of the Arab population is Muslim, which means they believe in Islam. Bedouin: a nomadic desert-dwelling Arab Hajj- a Pilgrimage to Mecca Hijab- A scarf worn on a women’s head to cover her hair

Stereotypes of Arab American’s Some stereotypes that Arab’s face once moving to America are that they seem to be rich Arab leader, or religious individuals who are intolerant of others, and terrorists. Aladdin- Arab hero/heroine The film‘s opening song sets the tone; Oh, I come from a land, From a faraway place, Where the caravan camels roam, Where they cut off your ear If they don‘t like your face, It‘s Barbaric, but hey, it‘s home. &feature=player_embedded &feature=player_embedded

Information for Educator’s to keep in mind. Arab American’s and their culture is often ignored Educational Achievement 10% have done graduate studies 14% are college graduates 23% have some college 32% are high school graduates 21% are not high school graduates. Teacher’s will commonly use the Bedouins to describe the individuals of the middle east, when only 2% are actual Bedouin’s. Arab American Student’s express more individualism-collectivism attitude. Which means they agree that they want good for all. But disagree on how they are going to get there. Arab American Students tend to lean more toward the collectivism side in the school setting, but more of the schools going to the individualism side they feel they need to compete.

Information for Educators to Keep in Mind When trying to solve an issue, involve the parent’s input as much as possible. Keep in mind that the family all works together and to try to keep the family in harmony. Arab American’s are sensitive to public criticisms, it may be best to talk to them in private. Teachers need to remember that just because they are Arab Americans, doesn’t mean that they practice Islam. There is no statistics available in the Arab-American’s academic success since they have been in the invisible minority group.

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