Summary
Arab Americans define themselves by their shared language as opposed to similar religious or cultural practices. Even this distinction is problematic, however, as some immigrants from Arab countries, such as Kurds, Circassians, and Berbers, do not speak Arabic. There is also a common misconception that Arab Americans are predominantly Muslim, when in fact the majority of the Arab-speaking community in the United States is Christian. These complex and often divisive distinctions have deterred Arab Americans' establishment of large communities, although small enclaves have formed in California, New Jersey, and Michigan.
The Arab Americans explores the history of this ethnic group in the U.S., including their social history, customs, and traditions, as well as their contributions and conflicts in American society. This engaging title is ideal for history buffs or anyone interested in Arab-American immigration history.
About the Author(s)
General editor Rodney P. Carlisle earned his B.A. in history from Harvard and both his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of California in Berkeley. He is a former chair of the history department at Rutgers University in Camden, where he taught for more than 30 years, specializing in 20th-century history. Carlisle is now professor emeritus there. He has written and edited many articles and more than 30 books on history, including Facts On File's Handbook to Life in America set.