Just like people around the world have done for generations, Arab people from the Middle East and North African (MENA) region have immigrated to various nations around the world. A number of 'push' factors account for why groups have left their homeland and 'pulled' to another nation to settle. The history and patterns of Arab migration out of the MENA illustrates the wide array of reasons for these patterns, primarily illustrating that mass emigration and settlement are highly linked to a number of factors, including social, political, economic, familial climates of each nation-state and its policies. If it is one takeaway that this edited volume brings to light, it is that the Arab MENA does not only include a diverse population within each nation-state it also illustrates the ways in which their settlement in new nations have contributed to their own identity development patterns, their communities, and that of their new nation-state. This book celebrates the achievements and acknowledges the challenges of the new communities that Arabs have built around the world. It shows examples of societies that have embraced the Arab diaspora as well as examples of sidelining these communities. These examples come from a number of subject areas, from music to international affairs. The examples are both contemporary and historical, authored by individuals with a diverse set of disciplinary lenses and professional training. This book is meant to fill a gap in the literature as it expands on the understanding of Arab communities to inform and inspire a more nuanced, inclusive approach to the study of the Arab diaspora. It does so by revealing untold stories that challenge stereotypes to push for more inclusive media representation of Arab identity and its development in various regions of the world.
Mariam F. Alkazemi is assistant professor at the Robertson School of Media and Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Claudia E. Youakim is Deputy Director of Knowledge Management and Research at the Center for Inclusive Business and Leadership in the Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut.
Chapter 1: Turcos and Chilestinos: Latin American Palestinian Diaspora Nationalism in a Comparative Context by Michael Ahn Paarlberg Chapter 2: Politics, Media, and Society: Argentina's Response to the Syrian Conflict by Jodor Jalit Chapter 3: Can We Be Governed by Someone Who Eats Kibbeh? Lebanese Migrants and Brazilian Politics by Diogo Bercito Chapter 4: The Arab Community of Cuba: Past and Present by Rigoberto Menendez Paredes Chapter 5: Exploring the Roots and Identity Politics of the Hadhrami Diaspora in Singapore by Aisha Sahar Waheed Alkharusi Chapter 6: Whither "Integration"? Children's Television, Immigration. and Arab Diasporas in Germany by Christine Singer, Jeanette Steemers, and Naomi Sakr Chapter 7: Maghrebis in France: From "Arab Immigrants" to "Muslims" by Imene Ajala Chapter 8: Arab Youths' Sense of Belonging to Canada: Integrated and Hyphenated Identities by Bessma Momani and Nawroos Shibli Chapter 9: Mahjari Musicians: The Recorded Sounds of Arab Americans in the Early Twentieth Century, 1912-1936 by Richard M. Breaux Chapter 10: "Welcome, But Be Ready to Work": Negotiating Gender Norms as Refugees in America by Manal al-Natour and Rita Stephan Chapter 11: The Influence of Nativity (or Lack Thereof) on Arab-American Muslim Attitudes and Behaviors by Youssef Chouhoud
"Arab Worlds Beyond the Middle East and North Africa portrays a kaleidoscopic and rich picture of Arab communities in a variety of diasporic contexts, presented through diverse disciplinary lenses. From Cuba to Singapore, and from cuisine to music, the various chapters tell a captivating story about the dilemmas and challenges of immigrant communities. It is a great addition to the literature on ethnicity, immigration, and Arab studies. " -- Tamir Sorek, Pennsylvania State University "Alkazemi and Youakim have put together a fascinating volume on Arab diasporic identities across the globe. This wonderful collection pays particular attention to the variation of Arab diasporic identity in different locations while paying attention to the role of media in representing and shaping these identities. "Arab Worlds Beyond the Middle East and North Africa offers an impressive comparative account of Arab diasporic experiences." -- Amaney A. Jamal, Princeton University
