DEARBORN — Arab Detroit hosts the sixth annual educational workshop,  “Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans: Arabphobia in America, Myth or Realty, ” Thursday, October 23rd, from 8:30am-2:00pm, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Fairlane Center, 1900 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn, Michigan.

Arabophobia has been prevalent in Western culture since the Crusades. For centuries the Arab has played the role of the greedy oil rich sheik, the villain or the seducer of women, hustler and thief. In the 20th century, new images emerged: the fanatical terrorist, the stone-thrower and the suicide bomber.

“This workshop will explore the diversity and culture of the Arab American community and focus on the Arab stereotype in popular culture and its impact on Arab American society, ” says Siham Awada Jaafar, one of the principal organizers of the event.

The workshop presenters include: Anisa Mehdi, Emmy Award-winning journalist and adjunct professor at Seton Hall University; Jackie Salloum, New York based artist and filmmaker and director of the recently released film,  “Sling Shot, Hip Hop”; Dr. Leila Farah, associate professor, Women’s and Gender Studies, DePaul University, Chicago; Mo Amer, Arab American comedian, featured in the new movie  “Allah Made Me Funny”;  Warren David, founder of Arab Detroit, president and CEO, David Communications;  Siham Awada Jaafar, vice president, David Communications. Dr. Amal Khalil David, bilingual program supervisor, Detroit Public Schools.

The workshop is expected to attract members of the print and broadcast media, business leaders, human resource directors, diversity program managers, advertising, marketing and communications professionals, educators, municipal and government employees, law enforcement personnel, community leaders and those interested in learning more about Arab Americans. The registration enrollment fee is $125 per person and includes the workshop, continental breakfast, luncheon and workshop materials.

An optional bonus session will be offered from 2:15 pm to 3:30 pm and will focus on some of the most commonly used Arabic language phrases.  The  “Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans ” diversity workshop is organized by Arab Detroit in partnership with the Center for Arab American Studies, University of Michigan-Dearborn; DTE-Detroit Edison; Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan; American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC-Michigan); and the Doubletree Hotel-Detroit. The event is sponsored by Nielsen Media Research, Michigan National Guard, Comerica Bank, Global Linguist Solutions (GLS), Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and American Syrian Arab Cultural Association (ASACA) with support from Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Michigan Business and Professional Association, AWARE and Byblos Banquet Center. Media sponsors are, Smooth Jazz-98.7 FM, Forum and Link and The Arab American News.