A recurring theme seems to be overgeneralization of communities based on the color of their skin. “Middle Eastern immigrant communities are often lumped together by US politicians and the general public as ‘Arabs’. Persians and even non-Middle East groups like South Indians and Pakistanis have shared the brunt of widespread anti-Arab (and anti-Iranian) prejudice. “ The Middle East is incredibly diverse, with many religions practiced and languages spoken.
Even at a federal level, Arab Americans and Middle Eastern people have historically been targeted by the FBI and subject to racial violence, especially after 9/11.
Many countries with lower literacy rates struggle with issues related to health, poverty, and political freedom. This is because workers that have a basic education “demonstrate more innovative tendencies and greater productivity”. Literacy is at the root of every culture/community’s development.
I liked that the ‘Arab and other Middle Eastern Americans’ article included a lot of modern day information and how current issues have resulted from ignorance.
