The Arab American Struggle

On September 11, 2001 America was faced with one of the most horrifying events in history. With a death toll over 3,000, thousands injured and 30% of New Yorkers left with Post Traumatic Stress Americans were left with one question, “who was to blame?” Furthermore, as American troops were being quickly sent to Afghanistan and Iraq, Americans demanded an explanation. Media usage increased as people sought to find out about the events and monitor advances. The increased role of the media however, did not increase understanding instead it increased stereotypes. Arabs became stereotyped as “terrorists” and “Muslim extremists.” Women especially were seen as a symbol of oppression due to their head covering. While some people believed the stereotypes that were quickly being formulated by the media, others investigated and searched for the truth behind the Arab culture. Through this process organizations and movies were developed to educate the public and combat misconceptions against Arabs.

For example, Hesham Issawi, an Egyptian Columbia College/Chicago graduate was studying anthropology. He later majored in Filmmaking and directed two short films, The Interrogation and T for Terrorist. Both of these short films won an award Best Creative Short film in New York Film Festival. The success of these short films enabled Hesham to continue his career in other projects.

In 2007, Hesham wrote and directed his first feature film AmericanEast. This movie portrayed the story of an Arab family that is trying to maintain a job after the tragedy of September 11. Not only does this movie depict their daily lives, but it also depicts the extent of the stereotypes used by the media and how it affects Arabs living in America. The story takes place in Los Angeles where Mustafa, an Egyptian immigrant runs a falafel shop. The FBI, caught in the chaos of September 11, investigated Mustafa and his family. Additionally, his teenage daughter and son are ashamed of being Muslims due to the stereotype of them being “terrorists”.

In 2003, a bridge was being built between the east and the west through an organization called Empower Peace. Using interactive technology and intensive training Empower Peace is able to break misconceptions and advance mutual respect, understanding, and peace. One of the programs that Empower Peace uses to carry out its goals is the Women2Women conference. This year the conference took place in Boston Massachusetts, USA from August 1 - August 8, 2009. The main theme of Women2Women - America was to "Claim Your Seat at the Table." Sixteen different countries were represented through 90 girls all with the same immensity of passion. Through this experience the girls learned that there were more similarities between them then differences. Close ties and friendships were created and stereotypes were broken. They met with leading figures tackling challenges on an international scale, and developed leadership skills to enable them to make a difference in their societies. They learned that as women from the East or the West they are all faced with similar challenges and can relate in many ways. Whether it was talking about maternity leaves, illiteracy, human trafficking or just shopping these young women were able to connect in many ways.