Tarek Stereotypes

As a Syrian Middle Eastern, Tarek lives with a stereotype that he is a terrorist. Tarek complains to Walter while he is being held at immigration that he is being treated like a terrorist but he is not a bad person. There is misconception in the world that all Arabs are terrorists. The film allows for an understanding that Tarek is a human being and a good person. He is undeserving of being treated like a terrorist. The film allows the viewer to connect to Tarek and feel his pain. As a result, the viewer's can expand their minds to see that Tarek is representative for many in his culture and ethnicity. An Arab can be upstanding citizens just as anyone else. Another challenged stereotype is the idea that an Arab can only date those within hos or her culture and ethnic group. The film pushes back at this stereotype. Zainab is not of the same background as Tarek, in fact the couple displays diversity. Tarek and Zainab challenge the notion that two individuals within different cultures cannot date each other.
It may be impersonal, unavoidable, as by fire, flood, cancer; or man-made, as in wars, sack of cities, rape of girls. Victims still have choice; there's always a little comer of freedom. They may throw spears at the bombers or bow in prayer, may curse or plead; but they may not choose to suffer or not suffer." The discrimination against Tarek is imposed. Tarek never chooses to suffer; he is forced to leave his country to live in freedom. Again he is discriminated against in America for being an Arab immigrant. It is important to make the distinction as Tarek transitions from country to country Imposed suffering is the antithesis of American culture, yet Tarek experiences this kind of discrimination. (Wheelis,