The Palestinian diaspora: Nationalism and ethnicity among Palestinians in New York.
Item
-
Title
-
The Palestinian diaspora: Nationalism and ethnicity among Palestinians in New York.
-
Identifier
-
AAI9530850
-
identifier
-
9530850
-
Creator
-
Ahed, Basima Ahmad.
-
Contributor
-
Adviser: William Kornblum
-
Date
-
1995
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
-
Abstract
-
This study explores Palestinian nationalism and political consciousness, and its saliency for Palestinians living in the United States. It seeks to determine whether nationalism is responsible for maintaining ethnic identity among Palestinians living in the United States, and delaying their assimilation into American society. It suggests criteria and techniques appropriate to analysis of Palestinian-American ethnicity.;For years the dream of a homeland, has impeded the natural progression of assimilation for Palestinians. They have resisted assimilation preserving their traditions and clinging to their identity as Palestinians. They have not cut off ties with their own towns and villages of origin. Everything that they have accomplished in the United States is in preparation for their return to Palastine.;This study demonstrates how Palestinians have maintained a diaspora existence, and a diaspora mentality and how the conciousness of a people, with a powerful sense of their Palestinian national identity, are trying to resist assimilation into the American mainstream.;Basic elements from the research methodology of participant obervation, interrelated with fifty-five in-depth interviews, were conducted with first and second generation Palestinians, living in New York. The interviews sought to understand; the rationalizations and defences that Palestinian Americans have developed, individually and collectively, to the threat of assimilation; the connection to the politics of their home society and the effect that their political consciousness has on maintaining their ethnic identity; and the frustrations of living "two lives" in two different worlds.;Despite differences between and first and second generation Palestinians, in terms of political values, all were concerned about events in the West Bank, the Israeli military occupation, and the Intifadah. There were no significant differences between first and second generation American born Palestinians in terms of their commitment to the "Palestinian cause" and their attachment to the land.;The mystique of return or "El-Awda," has sustained the Palestinians in New York. The second generation, however perceives the return as a step into the unknown. Although they are proud of their ancestral roots and their heritage, they realize that America is also part of their existence and identity.
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
