Inequality is not the easiest topic to tackle, as there are numerous opinions on the subject and its scope is massive. There are many different types of inequality, including (but not limited to) racial inequality, gender inequality, structural inequality and economic inequality. It’s a necessary conversation, no matter how uncomfortable or uneasy it makes us.

Here at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) inequality is very much a factor that influences our work, as well as the work of our parent organization, ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services). CAAP is an identity-based community foundation that unites and empowers the Arab American community through philanthropy, while ACCESS is a 43 year old human services agency  that strives to empower and enable individuals and communities to lead culturally sensitive lives, all whilst honoring its Arab American heritage through community-building and providing service to those in need, of every heritage.


Photo of CAAP and ACCESS employees

With roots in Arab American culture, inequality is a topic with which we are familiar. The Arab community in America has been subject to much derision over many decades, with numerous stereotypes (many that, unfortunately, still exist to this day) that depict Arabs and Arab Americans in numerous ways, many of which are negative. Arabs and Arab Americans are often depicted as violent, barbarians, greedy and people whose culture is rooted in terrorist ideals and values. These stereotypes result in unfair treatment of Arabs and Arab Americans, as they are often victims of racial profiling and hate crimes and other forms of unequal treatment.

ACCESS and CAAP exist as a way to counteract these stereotypes, working to shape perceptions and improve the image of the Arab culture and its people. CAAP specifically operates as a community foundation that promotes compassion and generosity amongst the Arab American community, highlighting the generous heritage and exceptional contributions of the Arab community; this paints an image that directly counteracts the hegemonic discourse that portrays Arabs in a negative light. In promoting this culture of giving, CAAP hopes to eventually completely alter the perception of Arab Americans, which would ultimately eliminate the disrespect and inequality they often face.

It’s difficult to fight a stereotype that has been widely accepted and ingrained in our society for so long, and achieving any type of change all begins with conversation. That’s the reason discussing inequality is so important; unless we as a society discuss the topic and educate others on its impact and effect on others, then how else will efforts be made to eliminate it? CAAP is bringing change through action, which stirs even more discussion and brings more awareness to inequality not only to the positive contributions of Arab Americans, but to other marginalized groups as well. By engaging Arab Americans in strategic philanthropy, CAAP is building a new rhetoric, one that portrays this marginalized group of people as full contributors to a freer, fairer, more just society of equals.

-Dillon Odeh
CAAP Intern

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *