1. Diversity in the workplace chapter 10 working with arab Americans
Dr. Sandra Roberts

2. Arab Americans 1% of the American workplace 1.2M people in 2000 census
Arab culture one of the oldest on Earth
Many different Arab languages, cultures, and religions
Came to U.S. for freedom and equal opportunity
Arab-Israeli conflict brought anti-Arab sentiments

3. Stereotypes about Arab Americans
Arab American families come from nomadic desert tribes
Media has portrayed this, only 2% are desert dweller, most Arab families live in urban areas (Cairo has 6M residents).
Arab Americans come from oil-rich Middle Eastern countries
Media has portrayed this, only a few are rich, the rest live in poverty. Not all Arab countries produce oil, and few are rich from oil. Most are teachers, lawyers, grocers, executives.
Arab Americans may have terrorist connections
Thought to have bombed OK City, when it was an American. Arab’s are no more likely to have a connection with terrorists than any other group.

4. Stereotypes about Arab Americans
Arab Americans may be members of a violent Islamic fundamentalist religion
Muslims practice the religion of Islam, believe there is 1 God, Allah and that their religion evolved since the time of Adam.
Less than ¼ of Arab Americans live in Islamic households, most live in Christian households.
The Qur’an (Bible) has prophets such as Adam, Noah, Moses and Jesus.
Muslims pray 5 times a day, Islamic Law touches every aspect of life & society.

5. Stereotypes
Some Islamic individuals/groups have declared jihad (or holy war) on America but most Arab Americans do not condone terroristic acts.
Islam is the second largest and fastest growing religion in the world (1.5 B followers)
Most Islamic people believe they have little or no control of the world, it’s up to Allah’s will, fate, and destiny
Arab Americans are:
63% Christian
3% Catholic
18% Eastern Orthodox
10% Protestant
24% Muslim
13% Other

6. Stereotypes about Arab Americans
Arab American women are subservient to men
Arab women in Arab countries do lack personal freedom. Most Arab American women live in Christian households.
Arab Americans look different
Most do not wear traditional Arab clothing, they dress American. Arabs may have light skin and blue eyes to olive/dark skin and
brown eyes.

7. Arab League of American Countries
Algeria
Lebanon
Somalia
Bahrain
Libya
Sudan
Comoros Islands
Mauritania
Syria
Djibouti
Morocco
Tunisia
Egypt
Oman
United Arab Emirates
Iraq
Palestine
Yemen
Jordan
Qatar
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia

8. History
first wave of Arab persons arrived from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, 90% were Christians. They were fleeing from economic and political conditions in their home country and came here to seek opportunity, intending to return home when they earned enough money.
Earliest Arab Americans were peddlers and suppliers earning more than laborers.
Second wave came in the 1940s from many different countries to escape civil wars, famines, and hardships that followed WW II.

9. Notable Arab Americans
Darell Issa, U.S. Congressman, CA
Najeeb Halaby, CEP Pan American Airlines
Paul Anka, singer and songwriter
Danny Thomas, comedian, founded St. Jude’s Children’s Center
Marlo Thomas, actor, daughter of Danny and wife of Phil Donahue. “That Girl”
Dr. Michael DeBakey, invented heart pump
Bobby Rahal, Indy 500 winner
Casey Kasem, creator radio’s American Top 40
Helen Thomas, former dean of the White House press corps
Jacques Nasser, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company

10. NonArab Middle Easterners
Perceived as Arabs but are of Middle East origin. Some speak languages rooted in pre-Arabic times.
Assyrians (Semites) – closer in culture to Jews than Arabs, practice Christianity
Chaldeans (Semites) – are Catholic and speak Chaldean language. Many groups can be found in U.S.
Kurds – speak ancient language not part of Arab language, no homeland, live in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria.
Iran – not an Arab country, is an Islamic country. Dominant language is Farsi

11. Majority of Arab Americans Living in U.S. came from these countries
39% Lebanon & Syria
12% Egypt
12% Syria
6% Palestine & Jordan
3% Morocco
3% Iraq
18% Arab or Arabic
7% Other Arab

12. Arab Americans Live All states
A third are in CA, MI (particularly Dearborn)and NY
90% live in urban areas
Better educated than other Americans, 85% have high school diploma, 40% have bachelor degree (24% Americans), 15% have graduate degrees (7% Americans)
42% work as managers/professionals, 30% hold sales jobs
More likely to own their own business, hold a managerial or professional position than to work for local government

13. Common Threads of Arab Cultures
I am controlled world view
Us-first, tribal relationship priority
Tight ties socially
Moderately feminine (people first, cooperation, work to live, not live to work)
Rank status
Play it safe risk orientation, resist change
Short term decision orientation
Schedules are flexible, plans are not detailed, no concept of wasting time, time is not a commodity
Space is up close and personal with the most touching
Indirect communication
Agricultural dependent to industrial dependent

14. Language
Arabic language unifies Arab people, four major dialects that identify speakers region of origin by accent.
2nd and 3rd generation Arab Americans may not speak Arab language
Many Arabs speak multiple languages and value learning multiple languages.

15. World Views Family values and customs
Making friends requires an introduction, people pay little attention to strangers
Gender roles vary greatly by country of origin, whether the family came from urban or rural areas, and how long they have been in the U.S.
Women and girls reflect modesty and chastity on the honor of men and the community
Girls and boys are raised in dramatically different ways (American girl is immoral and Muslim girl is respected); Girls have pressure to be moral, and are restricted and limited at home and closely monitored.
Dramatically different sexual standards for men and women.

16. Arab American Issues
Israel-Palestine Conflict (some feel U.S. should not favor Israel and could stop the conflict)
U.S. Mideast Oil Policy (U.S. Invasion of Iraq in 2004 portrayed us as a big bully with insatiable appetite for oil)
Culture clash (differences between East and West. Islamic cultures are generally governed by a king or religious leader, government is run by men. Huge poverty class and diversity of beliefs and ideas is discouraged)
Generation gap (2nd generation were born in U.S. and are less aware of traditional customs)
Discriminatory Profiling (Arab’s seen as villain and scapegoats, discrimination, stereotypes—even in public policy). Recent airline profiling has affected many.
Representation in U.S. Politics (tend to be politically active, run for office, and 87% vote).

17. Leadership Challenges
Don’t assume they are Arab or Middle East experts
Give stereotyping protection, be sensitive to their worldview. Offer diversity training.
Get to know them as individuals.
Recognize their personal strengths and potential
Capitalize on their networking skills