Arab In America

A semi-autobiographical graphic novel account chronicling the life of an average Arab-American struggling with his Arab identity in an increasingly hostile nation. From childhood through adolescence, and as an adult, Toufic illustrates the prejudice and discrimination Arabs and Muslims experience in American society. He contends with ignorant teachers, racist neighbors, bullying classmates, and a growing sense of alienation. He examines the roles that media and popular culture play, and using examples from film and the news media, he shows how difficult it is to have an Arab identity in a society saturated with anti-Arab images and messages. Sequences include: the 9/11 attacks the tigheter security and immigration laws the first and second Gulf wars the recent history of Middle Eastern countries U.S. involvement in the region since 9/11 It is rare to hear Arab/Muslim voices over the din of professional pundits, but El Rassi's voice and presentation are unique.