Conversation 5

Summary

From the "Arab and Other Middle Eastern Americans" article, I learned about the rich diversity within the Arab and Middle Eastern American communities and the complex historical trajectories that shaped their experiences in the United States. The impactful aspect is the enduring discrimination and prejudice faced by these communities, notably following significant events like the 9/11 attacks and the policies of different U.S. administrations. The examples provided, such as the outbreak of hatred including arson and bombings during the 1991 Gulf War and the discrimination, harassment, and aggressive checks endured after the 9/11 attacks, underscore the challenges they have confronted. Nevertheless, the article also highlights instances of political participation and progress, like Rashida Tlaib's historic election to Congress in 2018, which signifies resilience and the potential for positive change within these communities. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection and representation for these diverse communities, illustrating the ongoing struggles they face in ensuring their voices and experiences are acknowledged in the United States.

From the video “Misconception of Middle Eastern Culture and Religion” I learned that the region is incredibly diverse, encompassing various ethnicities, languages, and traditions. Recognizing and valuing the variety in the Middle East is crucial for breaking down stereotypes and developing a more accurate and respectful understanding of the region. This helps us better appreciate its complexity and the many different aspects it has to offer.

This article discusses the importance of addressing literacy in the Greater Middle East Initiative, a plan aimed at supporting political, economic, and social reforms in the Arab and Muslim worlds. The article emphasizes that literacy is a fundamental challenge, especially in the larger and poorer Arab countries, where illiteracy rates are high. For instance, in Yemen, Morocco, and Sudan, millions of adults remain illiterate, and these challenges are closely linked to health, poverty, and political issues in the region. Improving literacy rates can lead to better health, economic opportunities, and a more informed citizenry. This article highlights the significance of literacy as a key tool for addressing broader human development problems and suggests that investing in education and literacy programs can have a positive impact on various aspects of life in the region. The article mentions, "The Arab world's literacy leader is Jordan, where 91 percent of adults are literate, including 86 percent of women.” This shows that literacy rates vary significantly in the Arab world, with some countries having higher literacy rates than others.

My Source:

Illiteracy in the arab world. TEXT. (n.d.). https://www.dvv-international.de/en/adult-education-and-development/editions/aed-662006/education-for-all-and-literacy/illiteracy-in-the-arab-world

This article is important because it focuses on the issue of literacy in the Arab world. It explains that literacy isn't just about reading and writing but also includes language and computer skills, which are essential for daily life. The article provides data showing that literacy rates vary widely in different Arab countries and emphasizes the need for improvement. This is important because it highlights the challenges related to the Arabic language and technology. In summary, the article underscores the significance of literacy for the development and well-being of people in the Arab world.