For my demographic I've chosen Arab Americans. "Not quite white," they are a forgotten demographic that actually packs a pretty strong political punch. According to previous years, Arab Americans have a higher voter turnout than all other demographics, including whites. My goal through these posters will be to remind society, as well as arabs themselves, of the strength they have as a demographic, and reminding them to continue voting.
Arab Americans have a very strong sense of family values. They also place a very strong emphasis on education. On average, they have a higher percentage of bachelors degrees than other minorities. Portrayed often as violent, conservative, and fanaticist, Arabs in general are a peaceful people. Given the historic vilification of arabs in society, most just want to reverse this stereotype, and want to lead the same kinds of lives as other Americans. The concept of honor is also very important to Arabs. According to their culture, everything you do reflects upon your family name. So, for example, if you are shamed in any way, your entire family is shamed in society. According to Arab Americans, you carry the cumulative accomplishments and failures of your family with you in life. Your reputation, then, is what distinguishes or vilifies you to other members of the society. Religion is also very important to Arabs. Most Arabs are Islamic, a religion that in many ways is quite similar to Christianity. Within the religion of Islam there are two sects: The Shi' ites, who believe that the leaders of the Islamic church must be of a direct blood relative to Muhammad, and Sunni's, those who believe that the rulers who are most fit for the job should be elected. Of the two, the Sunni's are the most prevalent, while the Shi'ites are the extremist, conservative minority, following closely all the tenants of the Qura'n. (The Islamic Bible) Consider the differences between the two offshoots of Islam in terms of Catholics vs. Protestants. Preserving the tenants of the Qura'n and leading a religious life are important to most Islamic Arabs.
2. what political policies/issues are particularly important to this demographic in this election? why?
Obviously, the issue of the War in Iraq is a huge concern to Arab Americans. Most feel that the situation in Iraq is a prime example that imperialism has not died, and that the raping and pillaging of their homeland has happened and will continue to happen. They also care deeply about the creation of an independent Palestinian state in the Middle East. Given the historical lack of trust Arabs have had with the West, securing justice and equality in the Middle East is of the highest importance. Most feel like America has sided with the Israelis, but question why. Historically, the region has always been an Arabic stronghold, and helping the Israelis, most Arab Americans feel, is like planting a cancer in the Middle East. It has little to do with anti-semitism, but rather much more to do with the same issues America was founded upon: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Given the Western consumption of their homelands, they have a certain uneasiness about the Western world. Arabs are also concerned with their own vilification in Western culture. The fact that Arabs appear only as terrorists and oil sheiks in the American media perfectly illustrates the misconceptions about this oftentimes misunderstood and overlooked demographic. Freedom is of the utmost importance to Arab Americans, because of the historical context surrounding Arabic discrimination worldwide. Arabs have had to fight for their own freedom constantly, from the crusades onward. Most Arab Americans flock to America because of the inherent promise that the constitution guarantees: freedom. Logically, the preservation of this tenant is hugely important to them. Because of this, policies like the Patriot Act, and much of the Bush foreign policy have turned off many Arab Americans to Republican politics. Arabs are also deeply interested in immigration, as well as the availability of civic institutions like generalized healthcare and education.
3. are there any cultural references your demographic identifies with? what?
Sadly, cultural references in America of Arabs are mostly derogatory. Most Arab Americans do not identify with any of the pre-conceived notions that Americans impose upon them. There are remnants of the Middle Eastern culture that exist in American society, however. Their food has become largely popular as being marketed as "Greek Food." A high percentage of "Greek" Restaurants in the United States are in reality, Arabic owned. Even calling a restaurant "Arabic" comes with it negative connotations. This is why most are referred to as "Greek" or "Mediterranean", or "Aladdin's". Recently, the popularity of the hookah in America is another cultural institution in Arabic countries. The hijab, or the traditional muslim women's attire, is an indicator is Islamic culture. It is also the decision of the women to wear the garments, and is not forced upon them, as many Americans believe. It is a proud part of their society, one concerned with modesty and purity. Beards are also a traditional tenant of Islam for men, and are grown as an indication of their faith, but also of their age. It is not, despite the American perception, forced upon Islamic men. Belly dancing has also become Anglicized, but has traditionally been an Arabic art form, highly praising female dexterity and muscular control. The Arabic language is a huge part of their culture, as it is what defines a person as "Arabic". The language, derived from Aramaic (at the opposite end of the linguistic spectrum from English) is still based upon the Phoenician alphabet and linguistic system, but interpreted in a very different way. The idiosyncrasy of the Arabic script is also a highly praised cultural institution, recognized for its right to left orientation, as well as its completely unique calligraphic beauty. Generally, however, Arabs tend to hide their differences from the rest of society and attempt to blend in as much as possible, to "naturalize" or "Americanize" themselves, so as to avoid vilification or discrimination. To advertise their culture openly oftentimes brings the types of attitudes towards them that Americans have more or less been trained to develop: greedy, terrorist, extremist, anti-feminist, oppressive, totalitarian, authoritarian, fascist, dangerous. While there are some Arabs that have these traits, it is most certainly not true of all Arabs. They represent Arabic culture just as much as Timothy McVey represents American culture. A perfect example would be the assumption that after the Oklahoma City bombing, that those responsible must have been Arabic.
4. what does their graphic landscape look like? (this is sometimes called a "visual audit") put another way, assemble a range of designed artifacts that are targeted toward this group - packages, posters, companies, logos, publications, etc.
Because of the Arab American transparency, there is a rather sparse visual landscape, although because of the Islamic iconoclast, there is a rich tradition of geometric design, and arabic calligraphy.
5. including the aiga document and other sources, what are the issues cited for this group not voting?
The biggest issue with Arab Americans not voting is their inability to identify with the candidates. Because of how different Arabic culture is from American culture, and how American politicians rarely even try to appeal to Arabs, there is a bit of a disconnect. Surprisingly though, Arabs turn out in the highest numbers of all voters, at above 60%. This is perhaps because Arabs do not take for granted their liberties, as they've seen the other side of hunger. In other words, they have not traditionally had these liberties, and instill in their children an appreciation for such civil rights.
Sources:
wikipedia.com
http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islamic_sects.htm.org
aaiusa.org
Interview with Maher H. Masri (my father)
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