Times Series on Arab World

What a pleasure it was to read a series of thoughtful, well-written articles on the Arab world, devoid of many of the typical stereotypes and misinformation. This is not to say that the articles were all positive, but that is natural, as this is journalism and not public relations.

David Lamb’s exploration of the different problems in the Arab world today not only contributes to American understanding but also forces Arabs in this country and Arab-Americans to take an incisive and closer look at an area of the world that is of special significance.

Lamb’s articles made a part of the world usually cloaked in sheiks, belly dancers, and terrorists come into focus as the true land it is: of people who must continually adjust, a land of human beings.

The only exception was a sentence in the first article, which read, “The Arabs, a tradition-bound people who prize conformity more than individuality . . .” Of all the things one can say about the Arab world, one can hardly say that. It is a misinterpretation, for Arabs prize individuality and entrepreneurship and conform in no more passionate a manner than the rest of the world’s peoples conform.

HIND BAKI

Santa Ana

Baki is administrative assistant of the regional office of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.