Watch American Arab

American Arab is a personal and unapologetic documentary from director Usama Alshaibi that tackles the complicated identity of being an Arab in America post-9/11. The film focuses on Alshaibi's own experiences growing up as a second-generation Iraqi immigrant in Chicago, and how the events of 9/11 drastically changed his life and the way he saw his place in American society.

The film begins with a series of news clips showing the aftermath of the Twin Towers attack and the subsequent media frenzy that swept the nation. Alshaibi, who was working at a video store at the time, recalls the fear and paranoia that gripped the country and how it affected him personally as an Arab man. He recounts being harassed by police and feeling ostracized by his own community, who viewed him with suspicion and fear.

As the film unfolds, Alshaibi examines his own identity and that of other Arab Americans, touching on issues of race, religion, and the immigrant experience. He interviews a range of subjects, including his own family members, other Arab Americans from different parts of the country, and scholars who analyze the cultural and political implications of being Arab in America today.

One of the key themes of the film is the tension between assimilation and cultural preservation. Alshaibi grapples with the question of whether it is possible to fully embrace American culture while maintaining a connection to one's roots. He discusses the pressures to conform to mainstream values, but also the importance of keeping traditions alive and staying true to one's heritage.

Another major focus of the film is the impact of media representation on Arab Americans. Alshaibi explores the prevalence of negative stereotypes in movies and TV shows, and how they contribute to a broader culture of fear and suspicion towards Arabs. He also reflects on the power of media to shape our perceptions of the world and the people in it.

Throughout the film, Alshaibi blends personal anecdotes with more academic and historical analysis, creating a nuanced and multifaceted portrait of what it means to be an Arab American in the 21st century. He is unafraid to confront difficult questions and challenge assumptions about both American and Arab cultures.

American Arab is a timely and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about identity, representation, and belonging. Alshaibi's personal journey is emblematic of the struggles faced by millions of Arab Americans, and his honest and heartfelt exploration of these issues is sure to resonate with viewers of all backgrounds.

American Arab is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.