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Survey Reveals Arab American Experiences and Reactions Following 9/11

Posted on Monday August 19, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Although survey findings indicate one-fifth of Arab Americans have personally experienced discrimination following the events of September 11, eight out of ten Arab Americans responded to the tragedy by contributing to a relief fund, hanging a flag, or donating blood according to a survey commissioned by the Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) and conducted by Zogby International. The survey also found more than half of Arab Americans donated money to 9/11 victims’ charities.
[click for PDF copy of the report]

Young Arabs, the foreign born, and Muslims were the most likely to have endured discrimination following 9/11. While U.S. born Arab Americans and those born elsewhere reported they had been discriminated against equally during their lifetime (30% each), after Sept. 11 foreign-born Arab Americans (27%) reported more discrimination than their U.S. born counterparts (17%).

“Although almost a third of Arab Americans had already experienced discrimination because of their ethnicity, the events of September 11 exacerbated the backlash against Arab Americans in their communities. Specifically Arab Americans felt an increase in discrimination in public places such as airports or shopping malls,” said Helen Samhan, AAIF executive director.

While the most discrimination reported was experienced at work, the second highest contributor to discrimination came from friends, acquaintances, and neighbors. Discrimination occurring in schools, although less prevalent than before 9/11, is still a serious concern.

The survey indicated that 63 percent of Arab Americans and specifically four in five Muslims are worried about the long-term effects of discrimination. Concern within the community has increased since the first poll was conducted in October, 2001.

The most significant shift in Arab American reactions was illustrated by the new attitude toward President George W. Bush. Although 90% of Arab Americans said they were convinced the President was protecting their civil rights in the October poll, only 54% of those polled felt the same way in May.

Nearly two in five Arab Americans say their habits have changed following 9/11. Those who have been most affected either positively or negatively include 63% of Muslims, 70% of 18 to 24-year-olds, as well as 48% of people not born in the U.S. Since 9/11 42% of respondents have engaged more in discussion about events in the Middle East while 10% feel less comfortable speaking Arabic in public.

Despite growing concerns of profiling and prejudice, the majority of Arab Americans (89%) said they are proud of their ethnicity.

“This survey analyzes Arab American reactions during a time of crisis and demonstrates that Arab Americans responded as Americans, concerned for our country’s safety and security. Our community proudly displayed flags and rallied to support all victims of this atrocity. Arab Americans will continue to demonstrate our pride of heritage as well as our commitment to this nation,” Arab American Institute (AAI) president James Zogby said.

The survey is the second in a series of three surveys examining Arab American post 9/11 experiences. The percentage of Arab Americans who endured backlash has remained steady since an AAIF survey conducted in October. Zogby International conducted random telephone interviews with 505 Arab Americans. Three-fourths of those surveyed were born in the United States and 89% hold U.S. citizenship.