DEARBORN — Arabophobia in America was the subject of Arab Detroit’s annual workshop, “Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans,” on Thursday, October 22, at the University of Michigan—Dearborn.

The event, entitled “Arabophobia in the Media: Myth or Reality,” hosted various media figures and included workshop sessions that focused on Arab stereotypes in popular culture and its impact on Arab American society.

Siham Awada-Jaafar, one of the event’s organizers, welcomed the workshop’s attendees, which consisted of both Arabs and non-Arabs.

“I want to commend you all for being here today, as it shows a firm commitment to becoming better informed and involved,” she stated. “It is only through education that we can truly appreciate what we have in common, and it is that common ground that will eventually lead us in the same direction.”

A workshop on the current issues confronting Arab Americans featured Dr. Leila Farah, an Associate Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies at DePaul University. Farah performed several oral essays, which addressed issues surrounding women’s issues, human rights and prisoner torture. Another workshop on the image of Arabs in media and popular culture featured New York-based artist and filmmaker, Jackie Salloum, as a guest speaker.

Following the workshop sessions was a luncheon that featured Anisa Mehdi, an Emmy award-winning journalist and filmmaker, as the keynote speaker. Throughout her extensive career, Mehdi has produced a number of programs, including a series of ABC News Nightline specials on Muslims in the U.S. In her address, Mehdi discussed the numerous issues Arab Americans face, asserting that misconceptions and biased views of the Arab culture are prevalent in all forms of media. She claimed that it would take a united effort to put a stop to these inaccuracies.

“Arabophobia is hurtful, hateful, and small-minded, and it is up to every one of us to join together to ensure that Arab Americans are an integral part of the American mainstream,” she claimed.

She went on to discuss the unfair scrutiny that befalls Arab Americans who voice their discontent with any domestic or foreign policies implemented by the current administration.

“Since 9/11 there has been a spotlight on the Arab American community, and any time one of us speaks out in opposition to a policy or a decision, we are seen as disloyal to our country,” Mehdi continued. “Arab Americans are stepping up with suggestions for our nation, but we are not disloyal. It is passion, not disloyalty for our nation, that makes us stand up and do what we do.”

Mehdi then cited an incident involving presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, who recently gave what was viewed by many as an extremely offensive and insensitive response to a supporter’s claim that his opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, was an Arab.

“Senator McCain’s response reflects an unconscious, involuntary reaction that exists in the hearts of too many Americans,” she stated. “This is an example of the sentiment that exists in this country, and this is what we have to work to change.”

Mehdi encouraged Arab Americans to become more focused on marketing themselves in mainstream American and making a stronger statement across all mediums.

“Arab Americans are a market themselves, and we need to be seen that way in the news, on television, and on the big screen,” she said.

Mehdi added that she fully believed that Arab Americans will get past the issues they are facing, and will do so by moving into the mainstream and making an impact on American society.

The workshop’s luncheon also included a performance by comedian Mo Amer, who was recently featured in the film “Allah Made Me Funny.” Amer performed his popular stand-up act for the audience, joking about growing up as an Arab American in the South, and the issues he’s faced since September 11. On a more serious note, he acknowledged the importance of the workshop, which serves as a forum for honest and open dialogue.

“I am a comedian, but I am an activist at heart,” stated Amer. “This conference is a step in the right direction. Once people engage in open dialogue, the walls that exist between Arab Americans and the rest of the country will start to come down.”

The event concluded with an Arabic language survival session, intended for non-Arabic speakers, which covered the most commonly used Arabic phrases.