Arabs in America: Building a New Future [Paperback]

Michael Suleiman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 2000

For many North Americans, Arab-Americans are invisible, recalled only when words like 'terrorism' or 'anti-American sentiments' arise. However, people of Arab descent have been contributing to U.S. and Canadian culture since the 1870's in fields as diverse as literature, science, politics, medicine, and commerce witness surgeon Michael DeBakey, former Oregon governor Victor Atiyeh, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, and Canadian M.P. Mac Harb. Yet, while Arab-American contributions to our society are significant and Arab-Americans surpass the U.S. average in both education and economics, they still struggle for recognition and acceptance. In this volume, editor Michael Suleiman brings together 21 prominent scholars from a wide range of perspectives including anthropology, economics, history, law, literature and culture, political science, and sociology to take a close look at the status of Arabs in North America. Topics range from the career of Arab-American singer, dancer, and storyteller Wadeeha Atiyeh to a historical examination of Arab-Americans and Zionism. The contributors discuss an assortment of different communities a Palestinian refugee community in Detroit, a group of well-educated Jordanian men, and the Shi'a Muslims in order to illustrate the range of Arab emigre experience. More broadly, they examine Arabs in the legal system, youth and family, health and welfare, as well as Arab-American identity, political activism, and attempts by Arab immigrants to achieve respect and recognition in their new homes. They address both the present situation for Arab-Americans and prospects for their future. "Arabs in America" will engage anyone interested in Arab-American studies, ethnic studies, and American studies. Michael W. Suleiman is University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science at Kansas State University. He has written and co-edited numerous works in the field of Arab American studies, including "U.S. Policy on Palestine from Wilson to Clinton" and "Arab Americans: Continuity and Change".

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The publication of this dense, rich, and detailed 355-page book, which contains a fine collection of studies, is therefore a welcome and valuable addition to the existing literature. ...this book fills an important gap and should be on the reading list of any course on ethnic relations." --Journal of International Migration and Integration "...important, challenging collection of essays. ...There is much new and compelling material in this anthology. ...No one has a better grasp of the occasionally odd, even bizarre experience of Americans of Arab extraction than Michael Suleiman." --Journal of Palestinian Studies "...this work is generally a valuable addition to the growing literature on Arabs in the United States...and Canada." --Journal of American Ethnic History

From the Publisher

Setting the record straight about Arab American culture --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 355 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press (January 13, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566397278
• ISBN-13: 978-1566397278
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,162,156 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Arab-American learning experience, June 30, 2001

By 

Kelly May (Detroit, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arabs in America: Building a New Future (Hardcover)

Not having any Arabic descent within my family, reading Michael Suleiman's book and taking a class soley directed on Arab-Americans was an advantageous learning experience. He took the work of many culturally oriented people and blended it in with his own work to describe the operations of Arabic culture. He goes on in great detail to explain what it's like to be an immigrant in America. There are many steps in the adapting process which was clearly defined by him and 21 other scholars. The title, "Building a New Future", is the guideline for new immigrants. I feel as if I am somewhat a part of the Arabic culture because I've learned so much valuable information that many are still not aware of. This book, along with my class, covered many relevant topics associated with Arab-Americans and showed their true experience as immigrants. Although I was never really interested in this culture prior, I am looking to study more on Arab-Americans and also inform others. I recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in learning or furthering their knowledge on this topic.