Summary
Arabs are an ethnic group, but a significant portion of them are Muslim, with the religion driving their way of life, values, and spirituality. Arabs have a deeply rooted culture which they upkeep along with values and laws of Sharia representing practical duties such as prayer and fasting. There are many customs, but Arab Americans value respect, honor, peaceful. However, that does not mean Arabs cannot adopt elements or enjoy parts of the Western culture without conflict.
Historic Oppression
Historically, Arabs have faced some oppression if they are non-Muslims. In the Arab world itself, there are distinctions such as chauvinism. However, the greatest oppression of Arabs stems from the Western nations. As Muslims, those who practice Sharia law or wear a headscarf are viewed as extremists. This is particularly relevant for Arab Americans who face discrimination and often outright violence, particularly during the peak of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is often confusion between Islam as a religious identity and Arabic ethnic identity, while Arab Muslims are especially judged for their cultural and religious traditions.
Events
I attended two events to get closer and understand the culture. The first event was the Qurban Bayram festival associated with Eid al-Adha, one of the two major Islamic holidays during the year. It began with a prayer in the mosque. There was singing by a choir-like congregation. Next, the imam led a sermon. Afterward, the families gathered at the cemetery to recite a prayer for the deceased. Finally, a ritual of sacrifice and festival meal was presented.
The second event was the Day of Arab culture at the local elderly shelter which had many Arab residents. It had lots of art, games to learn the language, and once again, unique foods. The emotional impact of both events was deep, I was welcomed warmly and felt the generous hospitality. The community was evidently closely connected, and people showed much warmth and respect towards each other. They all seemed to be in unison and at peace through their culture and religion.
3 Key Things Learned
One important element of Arab culture is the coffee drinking ceremony. Using the data set seen in the image on the right, coffee is prepared and poured, but it is traditional to drink 3 cups, no more, no less. Another concept in Arab culture, which has been assimilated by the West, is genies. However, while they are viewed as fantasy by the West, in Arab culture, genies are spirits created by Allah alongside humans and angels.
The Qur’an has a chapter dedicated to genies, and it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad was sent to both humans and genies. Finally, the third element of Arab culture not previously known is the traditional cries that accompany Arabs in joyful life events. These can be festivals, marriage, childbirth, and other social events. The sound is typically produced by women obtained due to the rapid movement of the tongue left and right and a loud exclamation at the end.
Agency/Organization Interview
The mosque is both a religious and a social organization for Arab Muslims. Especially for Arab Americans, it is a unifying cultural community center, reminding many of their homes or cultures. The mosque offers religious guidance but also offers many other programs designed to help Arabs either adapt to America as newcomers or advice on how to deal with various sensitive topics. At the same time, the mosque is welcoming to everyone, such as allowing me to visit. It seeks to educate the general community about the Arab culture but also serves as a cornerstone for being involved by focusing on volunteering and fundraisers for causes that will benefit not just Arabs but the greater community as well, thus also demonstrating many aspects of the values that Arabs hold dear.
Summary of Individual/Couple Interview
I interviewed an older couple from Qatar. They already had a young adult son who was married and with a baby on the way. The family was very welcoming, displaying the utmost hospitality that I described earlier. It was a traditional nuclear family, maintaining close ties with extended family is common in Arab cultures. The family was religious, with the women wearing hijabs, but they also adapted to the Western culture and appreciated many elements of entertainment and freedoms, some they would have perhaps not had or enjoyed in their home country. They attempt to keep close to their local Arab community and spend time with other Arab families, cooking traditional foods and celebrating the religious holidays.
Summary of Experience Using Prompts
Prompting during interviews is a questioning technique used to guide the interview and nudge the person being interviewed in the right direction. Prompting often relies on some prepared questions or topics, so it is helpful in the preparation and keeping the interview process smooth. If there are topics that are sensitive or the interviewee is struggling to answer the question, prompts can offer guidance and avoid awkward situations. In turn, prompting can sometimes help the interviewee to open up more and produce information that is valuable to the discussion.
Application to Counseling
From observation of the Arab culture, two theories were derived which could be applied to counseling someone from this cultural group. The theory of family systems in cultures such as Arab where the family ties are extremely strong, some mental conditions may lead to relatives influencing each other. For example, anxiety increases and becomes chronic, leading to symptoms of physical, emotional, and social dysfunction. Meanwhile, CBT is a method used by psychologists, depending on the key issues to identify, analyze, and correct the individual’s perception of the situation. For many Arabs, perceptions can be entrenched in religious and cultural values, associating factors that do not represent a realistic approach. With CBT people can change their thinking and mental processes of external events to reduce negativity in the psycho-emotional state.
References
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