Arab Americans were granted the status of "White" because of American’s racist fear of a "non-white" Jesus.
People of Middle Eastern/North African origin are considered part of the "white race."
“For as long as I can remember, I have been forced to check the white box because people of Middle Eastern/North African origin are considered part of the white race.”
Why?
Early Syrian immigrants to the United States mobilized and demanded to be recognized as white because it made them eligible for citizenship. In 1914, a Syrian, George Dow, was rejected by South Carolina’s District Court on the ground that Syrians were “asiatics” and not white, thus not eligible for citizenship. One of Dow’s appeals relied on the claim that he came from the land of Jesus Christ. Thus, a court ruling against Dow would have implied that Jesus Christ was not white. Examining the context and complexities of Dow’s successful appeal leaves us with conclusions about how America’s racist fear of a non-white Jesus helped grant Arabs the status of whiteness.
Dina M. Kobeissi, The Harvard Crimson
QUESTIONS:
Did you know that in 1914, Syrian immigrants weren’t eligible for citizenship unless they were classified as “white”?
What are the advantages of “passing” for white?
How many Christians still subconsciously assume that Jesus was “white”?