Blog Post 14 MENA Experiences

 MENA Experiences 

    In an article we read this week entitled, "A Model of Cumalitve Racial-Ethnic Trauma Among Americans of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Descent" discusses the trauma MENA Americans face. It includes a model of cumulative racial-ethnic trauma, which features microlevel factors including historical trauma, national context, and institutional discrimination. It also discusses two micro level factors which are interpersonal discrimination and identity and recognition. Some outcomes on the macro level include: feelings of belonging vs alienation, their opportunity vs disadvantage, and freedom versus restriction. These refer to outcomes for the entire group. Some individuals outcomes include: fear, hopelessness, and alienation, and physical and mental health conditions. 

    In the vide "From Aleppo to LA" you see the girl featured coming to terms with living in America and understanding American culture. She talks about how she feels she is different and looks different from those around her (belonging vs alienation). She also discusses how much freedom she has in America compared to where she grew up. The second video I watched, "What it's like to be a Muslim in America" discusses the the discrimination faced by Muslims in this country, especially in the wake of 9/11. She also discussed her sense of belonging as an American and why being a "suspect and not a citizen" as she put it greatly affected her and so many others. This was the beginning of historical trauma for this group unfortunately and one that is still very prevalent today. A very powerful part of her message was that "Muslims are not a tumor in America, we are a vital organ." The third video I watched, "Hiba's Story" was the most moving to me. In this short overview of her story, she discusses many macro level traumas and how she, at ten years old, has overcome them or is at least well on her way to and helping others as well. 

    All three of these women are absolutely incredible. They are strong and brave, and have gone long ways to not only make a difference for themselves, but for others as well. The women from the first two videos fought and continue to fight for their rights and what they believe to be right by talking about their experiences, protesting, etc. Hiba, from the third video is only ten years old and has already overcome so many things. She most likely saw terrible things in Syria from where she fled, and even talked about how much she misses her brother, who has passed. She continues to be strong however, and to see the good in the world as well as encouraging others to do the same. 

    I absolutely do not think it is justified to ban or target entire groups of people. We have seen this in history before and the results were catastrophic to say the absolute least. These people that are being targeted are perceived to be different than "regular Americans" however America prides itself on its inclusivity and diversity, then turn around and target and ban groups. So many generalizations are made and innocent people suffer the consequences. You cannot base your thoughts and opinions of an entire group based off of one person's actions. 

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