The term "Arab" is meaningless if we don't stand behind it and chose "MENA" instead. Last month, members of the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation, House Bill 3768, which would include the term MENA (Middle East and North Africa) in the "Uniform Racial Classification Act" which requires state agencies to compile and report statistical data using racial classifications.Essentially, it defines who is recognized and who is not recognized. The MENA category is easier to approve than pushing for the ARAB category which would have a greater impact in strengthening the rights of Arab Americans.
It was bad enough when White racists would lie about the physical attributes of African Americans to justify maintaining the dual system of segregation. Just as bad is the reverse racism that grew from the suffering many African Americans faced as a consequence of racism, even as the civil rights movement tried to right the nation's human relations keel. Yet, despite years of challenging demonizing stereotypes, there are still people who exploit racism stirring the pot for personal gain and self-aggrandizement.
If you live in many of the Southwest suburbs, you might be receiving election mailers from the powerful realtors association urging voters to vote NO on referenda that would give local communities Home Rule powers.
Columnist Ray Hanania argues that the term MENA to describe Arab Americans only dilutes the ability for Arabs to defend themselves against racism and that the term Arab should be used not only with the U.S. Census but in seeking equality in government contract awards. MENA undermines the ability of Arabs to defend themselves, although the broader, more generic term covers a wider range of people. But as Hanania writes, no one ever called him a "dirty MENA" before. He urges support of legislation introduced by State Rep. Cyril Nichols
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