Ethnic Identity and Imperative Patriotism: Arab Americans Before and After 9/11

This article examines the effects of 9/11 on the Arab American community with emphasis on how notions of patriotism have altered both American and Arab American life. Analyses of pedagogy, ethnic studies, xenophobia, racism, and stereotype are offered in order to highlight the complexities of the interaction between Americans of Arab origin and other domestic ethnic groups. The author concludes that 9/11 did not actually alter American attitudes toward Arab Americans, but rather reinforced attitudes both positive and negative, that had existed for decades. 9/11 simply offered racists and xenophobes a rhetorical trope that could legitimize their views, while it offered multiculturalists more reason to promote inclusionary ideals.