Arab American in Detroit

Arab-American in Detroit

Detroit started to become a settlement for Arab migrants, who mostly originated from Lebanon, during the 19th century. Today, Detroit is among the American states with the largest Arab settlers. Arab settlers started to migrate in America during the early years of 1900s to work as laborers in factories. This is in time with the emergence of steel and automobile industries where most of the workforce comprises blacks and Arabic men. As the American industries continued to advance, more Arab laborers took their chances in the United States. Aside from America's economic advancement, as motivation to the immigration of Arabs, family unification and conflicts in the Middle East are among the other reasons (Gold, 2001).

The perception that all Arab-Americans are religious Muslims is incorrect. This is because the Arab-Americans, particularly in Detroit, adheres diverse religions. They may have originated from a Muslim dominated region, but most of them are not Muslims. In fact, according to PBS online, majority of Arab-Americans are Christians. Steven Gold, in his online article Arab-Americans in Detroit, lists their religious diversity as follows.

Detroit's Arab-American community is notable for its diversity. Members represent several religious affiliations including Lebanese Christians of Maronite, Melkite, Syrian and Greek Orthodox faiths, as well as Sunni and Shia Muslims; Palestinians/Jordanians of Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox and Sunni Muslim belief, Yemenis of Shafei and Zeidi Muslim persuasions, and Eastern rite Catholic Chaldeans.

According to Steven Gold, from a 1990 census in Michigan, most of the Arab-Americans live a successful life. Compared to native-born whites, the Arab-American community has a higher rate of college graduates. Also, unemployment in Arab-American community is relatively low (Gold, 2001). Many work as professionals, or are self-employed who work in their own business.

Detroit's Arab-Americans have their own share of success in politics. An example of which is Spencer Abraham. Abraham is one Michigan's senator and served as an advisor of Vice President Dan Quayle (Gold, 2001). Another is Ishmael Ahmed, a leader of an Arab-American service agency known as ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) (Gold, 2001).

As with other ethnic minorities, the Arab-Americans share an experience of racial discrimination and prejudices as well. Brought by ignorance, they are oftentimes stereotyped in a negative manner (PBS). In movies, for instance, the Arab-Americans are usually regarded as among the enemies. This perception about them was worsened by the crises caused by the Gulf War, the 9-11 attack to U.S. In 2001, and the terrorist activities in the Middle East that still exist today.