Paper
SEXISM AMONGST ARAB AMERICANS
LEANNA HAMDAN
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
ABSTRACT
In America, we deal with sexism everyday. In the work place, at home, in our cultures, at school, etc., but my main focus in this research paper is sexism among Arab Americans. Being an Arab American myself, I have dealt with this brutal issue all my life. Not being able to go to prom, to the movies on a Friday night with my friends, to hang out in gender-mixed functions all due to the simple fact that I am a girl has caused internal conflicts leading to feelings of distress, shame, and sadness. This paper will introduce the reader to the depth of sexism among Arab Americans. You will learn about Sharia Allah Laws and the impact they have on women, the rights that women are deprived in this culture, and sexism in education.
Sexism is discrimination based on a person’s sex. This practice could be the result of an upbringing with beliefs that one gender is naturally superior to the other. Sexism can bring forth sexual harassment, rape and other forms of sexual violence. Although women are usually the targets of sexism, there have been cases of men being targeted as well. The place where sexism is perhaps mostly demonstrated is the Middle East. Women of the Arab culture have practically no rights or any means of defending themselves. A Middle Eastern woman 's role is nothing more than to breed and be a housekeeper for the man of the house. In some countries, women are legally not allowed to drive or even receive an education. The main religion of the region is Islam, and in the Qur 'an it emphasizes that men and women are equal, women are still treated as possessions of their fathers before marriage, and that of their husbands once they are married, emphasizing that at no point in their lives do these women have their own sense of identity. Syria is a prime example of a Middle Eastern nation that practices sexism. “Sexual abuse has long been a hidden crime in Syria.
LEANNA HAMDAN
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
ABSTRACT
In America, we deal with sexism everyday. In the work place, at home, in our cultures, at school, etc., but my main focus in this research paper is sexism among Arab Americans. Being an Arab American myself, I have dealt with this brutal issue all my life. Not being able to go to prom, to the movies on a Friday night with my friends, to hang out in gender-mixed functions all due to the simple fact that I am a girl has caused internal conflicts leading to feelings of distress, shame, and sadness. This paper will introduce the reader to the depth of sexism among Arab Americans. You will learn about Sharia Allah Laws and the impact they have on women, the rights that women are deprived in this culture, and sexism in education.
Sexism is discrimination based on a person’s sex. This practice could be the result of an upbringing with beliefs that one gender is naturally superior to the other. Sexism can bring forth sexual harassment, rape and other forms of sexual violence. Although women are usually the targets of sexism, there have been cases of men being targeted as well. The place where sexism is perhaps mostly demonstrated is the Middle East. Women of the Arab culture have practically no rights or any means of defending themselves. A Middle Eastern woman 's role is nothing more than to breed and be a housekeeper for the man of the house. In some countries, women are legally not allowed to drive or even receive an education. The main religion of the region is Islam, and in the Qur 'an it emphasizes that men and women are equal, women are still treated as possessions of their fathers before marriage, and that of their husbands once they are married, emphasizing that at no point in their lives do these women have their own sense of identity. Syria is a prime example of a Middle Eastern nation that practices sexism. “Sexual abuse has long been a hidden crime in Syria.
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