Arab Discrimination

Arab Discrimination By Entonyous Bernaba

Research-

September 11, 2001 is recognized as one of the worst tragedy in American History. Over 2000 killed in the attacks including 31 innocent Arabic-Americans. Yet, after 9/11 hate crimes, discrimination, and racism rose dramatically toward those of Arab descendant.  An article written by Dean Obeidallah of the Daily Beast stated, "In October 2001, an ABC poll found that 47 percent of Americans had a favorable view of Islam. By 2010, that number had dropped to 37 percent. today, alarmingly, only 27 percent of Americans have a favorable view of Muslim Americans." This means Americans view Muslims, which are the majority of Arabic speakers, far worse today than right after 9/11.

Today, Arabs are being discriminated towards now more than ever. The discrimination is not only in the work space but through a series of racist taunts in everyday life. Now with a racist bigot in office, many of those in the arab community are appalled by the direction America, a nation built by immigrants, is heading towards. With a Middle East travel ban signed by the leader of the free world nothing more can show discrimination towards a group of people. An article written by BBC News states, “By doing this action the President is allowing Americans to target those of the Middle East to be victims of horrendous acts of discrimination.” If the President is okay with doing it, then his people are too.

Personal-

I came to the United States in February of 2001. My family moved here from Egypt in search of a better life. In Egypt those of a Christian background were and still are persecuted. My father was in search of the typical American dream. His kid (now kids) going to a good school(s). Buying a nice house in the suburbs and working an 8-5 job. I am an Egyptian born immigrant that has come to the US to be part of the dream. A dream many had and still have. Yet, then reality kicks  in and the dream goes from having an 8-5 job to having any job. From having a nice suburban house to simply find an apartment that allows Middle Eastern people to rent it.

I never really knew the struggle my people have gone through till this year's’ election. My parents did a very good job of hiding the struggle until I confronted them about it by doing this project. This issue affects me directly. Even though I am now an American Citizen, many of my family members are not. The harassment on any airports they endure is cruel and humiliating. The discrimination I've seen through my parents eyes as a child now makes more sense than ever. My father struggling and working from 9pm to 5am just to keep a roof over our heads because he is not allowed to work a morning shift in fear of people criticizing his accent and Arab features is dehumanizing. This is an issue I learned affects me and a large group of people that are innocent. Their only flaw is they come from countries that are unstable and looked down upon because the actions of an evil few.

Those in my community that are affected

Martin Gonzalez

Melissah Flores

Sources
Obeidallah, D. (2014, September 11). 13 Years After 9/11, Anti-Muslim Bigotry Is Worse Than Ever. Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/11/13-years-after-9-11-anti-muslim-bigotry-is-worse-than-ever.html

Trump ban sparks MidEast anger and accusations - BBC News. (n.d.). Retrieved April19, 2017, from https://www.google.com/amp/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/38797933