100 Questions about Arab Americans

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:10:54 -0500

We hear a lot of talk about Arab Americans and Arab immigrants. How much do you know about Arab Americans, refugees, immigrants? It would be nice if people stopped reacting to the mass hysteria of the media right now and actually set about finding out some facts based in truth. The fear mongers push the rhetoric about Arab terrorist labeling them Islamic Extremist, Muslim terrorists, Islamic terrorists... This type of rhetoric causes the application of fear to be placed on all people from the middle east. It is justifiable to talk about those who are extremist and have the intention of doing harm. It's not justifiable to apply it to all.

http://www.allied-media.com/Arab-American/100Q.htm

100 questions about arab americans leaving in the US

Like all people, Arab Americans are too often described in simplistic terms. Although the Arab culture is one of the oldest on Earth, it is, in many parts of the United States, misunderstood. There are no easy, one-size-fits-all answers. Culture, language and religion are distinct qualities that act in different ways to connect Arabs, and to distinguish them from one another

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Nov 22 at 2015 11:13 AM

COL Jeff Williams — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:13:08 -0500

No hysteria here in the UAE

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 22 at 2015 11:21 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:21:39 -0500

Well done CPT Private RallyPoint Member! There have been multiple occasions where they had my 6 in Iraq and Afghanistan! I have drank many cups of Chai building complete trust and respect amongst some of the most genuine people I have ever met - and these same people I am talking about I would love to have as my neighbors!

The problem our society has a "gotta have it right now" and with the sensational attacks the majority make an overarching decision based on the actions of a few. Additionally, there is an inability to identify one belonging to the radical faction until one exposes him/herself, then it could be too late to eliminate the target without knowing all the relative down traces left to carry on.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Nov 22 at 2015 11:23 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:23:30 -0500

If they could not get the question about palistine right why continue.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 22 at 2015 11:47 AM

MAJ Alvin B. — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:47:30 -0500

To me it is not about Americans who claim Arabic heritage. If you are a citizen of the country, your origin should be of no concern.
The current situation is not that simple to reconcile. There are many different peoples from the region, not just Arabs. The article has many good points, however it is also intended to shape a favorable perception for its client. I suspect the average citizen's perception is shaped largely by the media, and not personal interaction, that will not change any time soon, especially given the tactics of many organizations.
The challenge is not about Arabs per se. Arabs are not a monolithic group, no more that Islam is a monolithic religion. It is about the zeal, intolerance and often violent action generated and the counter response generated by many of the ideas, positions and actions, that must be reconciled in order to live in a democracy, or a representative republic.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Nov 22 at 2015 12:05 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 12:05:27 -0500

Great remarks. I'll share my experience having lived in and amongst "Arabs" since 2000 - and never from assignment on a base, because that's like visiting any military base in the States since they never let troops off to explore. Egypt, Saudi, Kuwait, Oman, Bharain and Lebanon (hence: Arabs). I've never carried a gun during all that time. I talk with of the "Arabs" I've met, cab drivers, cooks, hotel staff, shop owners, Starbucks guy, industrialists, rich folks, poor folks men, women and kids. I've met the deeply religious, not so religious and "notional" -- in name only. I've watched grandfathers drag their kids off to prayers at O'Dark thirty because they want company if they drop dead while enroute to study for the "final" exam. The most common used word I've heard is "Welcome." The most common phrase I've heard is: "They (Daesh) aren't MUSLIMS." Every single person I've met in the last year has started off every conversation with this. I accept that, just like I accept that the Westboro Baptist Church doesn't represent Christianity.
As one friend said "Everybody hates these guys. They just like killing."
I've never been cursed at for being an American. Sadly, I cannot say that of my own countrymen.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 22 at 2015 12:07 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 12:07:31 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member sadly most of the immigrants are military aged men between 18 and 35. Where are the women and children that we hear so much about? These men have the opportunity to shape and change their country if they were to just join together and become a military force. Something tells me there is something more sinister in their minds

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Nov 22 at 2015 12:41 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 12:41:20 -0500

You know what gets me? Most of us from day to day are just trying to get through the day. It is not my concern who or what they worship. I have not had the opportunity to meet an extremist. But things would get real interesting; fore I can not quote the Qur'an nor do I have the inclination. Just like I'm sure most muslims have no interest in the new testament.