The Arab Americans / Randa A. Kayyali.

Author
Kayyali, Randa A. [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 2006.
Description
xviii, 177 pages, 9 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 25 cm.

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Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Firestone Library - Stacks E184.A65 K39 2006 Browse related items Request

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    Summary note
    • 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 for a general audience. 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 plus 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 and many are from Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. The continuing interest in the Middle East, Islam, and Muslim way of life make this a must-have source to help understand current events and our multicultural society.
    • The book begins by giving a broad political and social history of the Arab world since the advent of Islam in 632 CE. Kayyali also takes care to be inclusive of the different groups who can be classified as ʺArab, ʺ and the discussion of who these people are, with their different religions and beliefs, is an enlightening base to understand their experiences as Arab Americans. Early immigrants typically became peddlers or worked in the new factories and mills. As they gave up thoughts of returning to their home countries, they fought to be classified as ʺwhiteʺ to gain citizenship, and the impact of the Census on their struggle is discussed in detail. Their assimilation and adaptations are discussed, and readers will learn about family issues, womenʼs 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 impact of 9/11. A sampling of noted Arab Americans, such as Ralph Nader, a glossary, statistical tables, and photos are included as well. Publisher description.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (p. [167]-171) and index.
    Contents
    • The Arab world: the geography, history, people, and cultures
    • Coming to the United States
    • Race and ethnic classifications
    • Cultural adaptation
    • Identities within the community
    • Impact on U.S. society.
    ISBN
    • 0313332193 ((hardcover))
    • 9780313332197 ((hardcover))
    LCCN
    2005026182
    OCLC
    61529796
    International Article Number
    • 9780313332197
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