April not only marked the time of Spring, National Minority Health Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April Fools, and Easter, but also Arab Heritage Month: a time to appreciate the history and impact of Arab culture and Arab-Americans. This month is honored through many forms: cultural performances, Arab art and designs, dishes, clothing, dances, music, and education.
Arab Heritage has contributed many things to our society. “The Arab community at our school brings diversity, community, and inclusivity,” stated freshman Lillyanna Keogh, who finds this beneficial because having a “widespread diversity and culture at Malden High School provokes connections and more between students,” which is why it is crucial to acknowledge this month and the many ways it can be celebrated.
Arab Community and Culture’s Influence:
Arab traditions and culture have heavily influenced a myriad of important aspects of our community, from clothing to food, to even simple everyday words or items. A sophomore at the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, Marawah Syed, explained that Arab culture has influenced our overall American culture by “incorporating fragments of Arabic,” into English, such as “algebra, sugar, and lemon.”
A freshman at Malden Catholic High School, Sarah Darius, expressed how despite being a minority group, Arabs have created major impacts in America, particularly in fragrances, cosmetics, and other beauty products. “Arab culture has influenced American culture through beauty through, for example, “perfumes such as Kayali and a brand called Biosilk, which creates hair products.”
Inspiring Arab Americans and Media Representation:
It is not only the culture that influenced our world today, but many Arab Americans have had major impacts in entertainment as well. From DJ Khaled to Paula Abdul, the Arab community has greatly changed many people’s perspectives on Arabs, breaking common stereotypes about them.
An example of a renowned Arab-American figure is Steve Jobs. Jobs was a Syrian-American who was also a former co-founder of Apple Inc. He is also known for being a key figure behind the scenes of Pixar Animation Studios. He showed that the Arab community is also capable of doing plenty.
Freshman Finn Queen expressed how an Arab American figure, Andrea Gabriel, is very inspiring. She is commonly known for playing a “strong” female character in the first season of the show “Lost”. Finn voiced that her character’s overall “brave” and audacious personality was “uncommon to be represented on television for an Arab woman at the time,” showing how media representations can break stereotypes.
Other students had mentioned idols such as Shakira, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Salma Hayek, and Ameen Rihani.
Student Recognition, Respect, and Appreciation:
A freshman here at Malden High, Vanessa Nguyen, shares that learning about different cultures can result in someone becoming more educated on them, which can “help with some stereotypes that are set up” as well as “knowing how different cultures celebrate each holiday in a pretty interesting way.”
By taking time out of our lives to recognize and respect Arab American traditions and voices, we “bolster our diverse community,” and help create a more inclusive and connected community.
It is important to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month because it helps recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans, and it gives everyone a chance to learn and break stereotypes,” concluded senior Sabrina Kharkhach.
