Deck 5: Understanding Arab American Children and Adolescents

Question 1

What challenges and opportunities does the traditional Arab family structure present for you as an educator?

Answer 1

The traditional Arab family structure presents both challenges and opportunities for me as an educator. One challenge is that the family plays a significant role in the lives of Arab students, which can sometimes lead to conflicting expectations between the family and the school. For example, some families may prioritize their children's participation in religious or cultural activities over academic pursuits, which can create tension when it comes to educational priorities.

On the other hand, the traditional Arab family structure also presents opportunities for me as an educator. The strong family support system can provide a solid foundation for students, and their family's emphasis on respect for elders and authority can create a respectful and disciplined classroom environment. Additionally, the close-knit nature of Arab families can provide valuable insights into the cultural and social backgrounds of my students, allowing me to better understand and connect with them.

Overall, navigating the traditional Arab family structure requires sensitivity, understanding, and collaboration. By recognizing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by the family, I can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for my students.

Question 2

What are some of the most common misconceptions regarding Arab Americans? As an educator, what opportunities do you have to dispel stereotypes and provide a more accurate understanding of Arab cultures?

Answer 2

Some of the most common misconceptions regarding Arab Americans include the belief that they are all Muslim, that they are all from the Middle East, and that they all hold extremist views. These misconceptions can lead to discrimination and prejudice against Arab Americans, and it is important for educators to address and dispel these stereotypes.

As an educator, there are several opportunities to provide a more accurate understanding of Arab cultures. One way is to incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum, including literature, history, and social studies that highlight the contributions and diversity of Arab Americans. Additionally, educators can invite guest speakers from Arab American communities to share their experiences and perspectives with students. Creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable discussing and asking questions about different cultures is also crucial in dispelling stereotypes and promoting understanding. Finally, educators can actively challenge and correct any misconceptions or stereotypes that arise in the classroom, and encourage students to critically analyze and question the information they receive about Arab Americans. By actively engaging with and addressing these misconceptions, educators can play a crucial role in promoting a more accurate and nuanced understanding of Arab cultures.

Question 3

Explain ways in which gender-specific roles may be encouraged in Arab American families. What key factors effect gender development in Arab Americans? What gender related issues and stereotypes do educators need to be aware of in order to demonstrate appropriate sensitivity to Arab traditions?

Answer 3

Gender-specific roles in Arab American families may be encouraged through cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and societal expectations. These roles often emphasize the importance of men as the providers and protectors of the family, while women are expected to prioritize their roles as caretakers and homemakers. This can be reinforced through teaching and modeling of these roles within the family unit.

Key factors that affect gender development in Arab Americans include cultural norms, religious teachings, and the influence of extended family members and community members. These factors can shape individuals' beliefs and attitudes about gender roles, and can impact their personal identities and behaviors.

Educators need to be aware of gender-related issues and stereotypes in order to demonstrate appropriate sensitivity to Arab traditions. This includes being mindful of traditional gender roles and expectations, and avoiding reinforcing stereotypes in the classroom. Educators should also be aware of the diversity within Arab American communities, and the ways in which gender roles may be evolving and changing over time. It is important to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects and values students' cultural backgrounds and identities.

Question 4

Describe the range of religious traditions embraced by Arab Americans. Did this chapter alter your concept of how religion is practiced by Arab Americans? If so, how?

Question 5

Identify ways in which a school might respond to an influx of Arab American learners. How might teachers, administrators, and counselors collaborate to find ways to promote healthy self-concepts among these new students?

Question 6

The Arab population is young as_______of the population is under eighteen years o
Ld:

A) 12%
B) 22%
C) 52%
D) 25%
E) 18%

Question 7

Arab Americans tend to be more_______while European Americans tend to be more_______In their attitudes and values.

A) individualistic; collective
B) self-oriented; other-oriented
C) collective; individualistic
D) selective; non-selective
E) none of the above

Question 8

Gender roles for Arab Americans are largely affected by:

A) country of origin
B) rural vs. urban origins
C) length of time spent in the U.S.
D) all of the above
E) a and b only

Question 9

The most unifying factor of Arab peoples is:

A) the Arabic language
B) a common religion
C) country of origin
D) loyalty
E) hajj

Question 10

Arab Americans can be found:

A) living with higher incomes than the U.S. average
B) living below the U.S. poverty level
C) with a higher unemployment rate than the national average
D) all of the above
E) b and c only

Question 11

Arab Americans could best be defined as:

A) homogenous
B) fundamentalists
C) entrepreneurs
D) heterogeneous
E) a and b only

Question 12

On average, Arab Americans have been shown to:

A) maintain higher educational achievement than the U.S. average
B) have a lower educational level than the U.S. average
C) reject the U.S. education system
D) drop out of college at an alarming rate
E) b and c only

Question 13

Wearing traditional dress such as a galabiya or hijah is for Arab Americans:

A) shameful
B) a requirement
C) a personal choice
D) a symbol of defiance
E) b and d only

Question 14

In traditional Arab cultures, boys and girls are often:

A) raised with indifference to gender
B) highly competitive
C) unhappy children
D) raised with little discipline
E) directed toward gender specific roles and disciplined according to gender

Question 15

Arab families are likely to belong to the_______faith:

A) Christian
B) Muslim
C) Jewish
D) Druze
E) any of the above

Question 16

Arab Americans proudly represent a unified cultural, religious, and ethnic background.

Question 17

In order for a student to be considered truly Arab American, she or he should be a practicing Muslim.

Question 18

Arab Americans have a higher percentage of high school and college graduates than the U.S. population as a whole.

Question 19

Arab American families tend to be somewhat smaller than non-Arab families in the U.S.

Question 20

Arab families are traditionally matriarchal, but democratic.

Question 21

Arab American families generally focus on individual achievement with less concern for extended family.

Question 22

Arabs have few feelings of affection for their native language, Arabic, though it is considered by the outside world to be a cultural treasure.

Question 23

Unlike some other minorities, Arab American students are fortunately not affected by the same curriculum biases.

Question 24

Exploring simple things such as dress traditions, food taboos, and conventional sex roles can actually go a long way in helping teachers reach out to students in meaningful ways.

Question 25

Popular media in the U.S. has done little to promote accurate, positive images of Arab culture.