The Hidden Arab Roots of a Country Called Amreeka with Unbelievable American Stories

When we talk about the United States of America, it's easy to overlook the diverse tapestry of cultures and histories that have contributed to the nation's development. While the story of America is often associated with European settlers and Native American tribes, there is a lesser-known narrative that deserves our attention - the Arab roots that have influenced and shaped the nation we know today. Get ready to dive into the captivating history of a country called Amreeka, a land of Arab heritage and countless American stories that will leave you in awe.

Throughout history, Arab immigrants have traveled far and wide in search of opportunities and freedom. Many of them arrived on the shores of America, seeking refuge and the chance to build a better life for themselves and their families. From the early waves of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants in the late 19th century to the more recent influx of Iraqi and Egyptian migrants, Arab immigrants have made significant contributions to various fields, ranging from politics and academia to business and entertainment.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Arab influence on America is the rich cultural heritage that has been brought along. Arab music, art, and cuisine have become beloved parts of American life, blending seamlessly with other cultural identities. The influence of Arab culture can be seen in the sounds of Arabic music fused with jazz and blues, the mesmerizing rhythms of the Middle East inspiring American dances, and the delicious flavors of shawarma and falafel finding their way onto menus across the country.

A Country Called Amreeka: Arab Roots, American Stories

by Alia Malek (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1522 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages

FREE

Let's not forget the Arab Americans who have left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the United States. Trailblazers like Ralph Nader, an activist and consumer advocate, and Donna Shalala, who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton, have used their intelligence and determination to shape the nation's policies and institutions. Arab Americans have also been active in advocating for social justice, civil rights, and combating stereotypes that surround Arab and Muslim communities, making significant strides in encouraging a more inclusive society.

While mainstream media often focuses on negative stereotypes and misconceptions, the real stories of Arab Americans are filled with resilience, success, and inspiration. From entrepreneurs and innovators to artists and athletes, Arab Americans have risen to prominence in various fields and continue to make their mark on Amreeka. Talented actors like Rami Malek and Kumail Nanjiani have won Oscars and have become household names, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

The Arab roots of a country called Amreeka are deeply intertwined with the fabric of American society, shaping its identity in more ways than we may realize. It's time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions and stories of Arab Americans throughout history. From the early immigrants who faced discrimination but persevered, to the Arab American youth who are asserting their identities proudly today, their stories are a testament to the inclusive and progressive nature of America.

So next time you think about the United States, remember that the story is much richer and more colorful than what meets the eye. Venture beyond the familiar narratives and explore the hidden Arab roots that have blossomed into incredible American stories. Amreeka welcomes you with open arms, ready to share its diverse tapestry of cultures and histories that have shaped one of the greatest nations on Earth.

A Country Called Amreeka: Arab Roots, American Stories

by Alia Malek (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1522 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages

FREE

Among the surfeit of narratives about Arabs that have been published in recent years, surprisingly little has been reported on Arabs in America -- an increasingly relevant issue. This book is the most powerful approach imaginable: it is the story of the last forty-plus years of American history, told through the eyes of Arab Americans. It begins in 1963, before major federal legislative changes seismically transformed the course of American immigration forever. Each chapter describes an event in U.S. history -- which may already be familiar to us -- and invites us to live that moment in time in the skin of one Arab American. The chapters follow a timeline from 1963 to the present, and the characters live in every corner of this country.

These are dramatic narratives, describing the very human experiences of love, friendship, family, courage, hate, and success. There are the timeless tales of an immigrant community becoming American, the nostalgia for home, the alienation from a society sometimes as intolerant as its laws are generous. A Country Called Amreeka's snapshots allow us the complexity of its characters' lives with an impassioned narrative normally found in fiction.

Read separately, the chapters are entertaining and harrowing vignettes; read together, they add a new tile to the mosaic of our history. We meet fellow Americans of all creeds and colors, among them the Alabama football player who navigates the stringent racial mores of segregated Birmingham, where a church bombing wakes a nation to the need to make America a truly more equal place; the young wife from Ramallah -- now living in Baltimore -- who had to abandon her beautiful home and is now asked by a well-meaning American, "How do you like living in an apartment after living in a tent?"; the Detroit toughs and the potsmoking suburban teenagers, who in different decades become politicized and serious about their heritage despite their own wills; the homosexual man afraid to be gay in the Arab world and afraid to be Arab in America; the two formidable women who wind up working for opposing campaigns in the 2000 presidential election; the Marine fighting in Iraq who meets villagers who ask him, "What are you, an Arab, doing here?" We glimpse how America sees Arabs as much as how Arabs see America. We revisit the 1973 oil embargo that initiated the American perception of all Arabs as oil-rich sheikhs; the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis that heralded the arrival of Middle Eastern Islam in the American consciousness; bombings across three decades in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and New York City that bring terrorism to American soil; and both wars in Iraq that have posed Arabs as the enemies of America.

In a post-9/11 world, Arabic names are everywhere in America, but our eyes glaze over them; we sometimes don't know how to pronounce them or understand whence they come. A Country Called Amreeka gives us the faces behind those names and tells the story of a community it has become essential for us to understand. We can't afford to be oblivious.