Muslims and Arabs are thought to be the same, however, the groups differ. Muslims practice Islamic religion.

Arab is an ethnicity or nationality. Arabs originated from the Middle East in countries such as Iraq, Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia. Muslims come from different parts of the world, but the majority is mainly from Asia. Muslims outnumber the total Arab population. Muslims use different languages according to where they reside. Arabs primarily use the Arabic language. The September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks altered the treatment of Muslims and Arabs. Muslim and Arab Americans have experienced discrimination such as racial profiling in airports security checkpoints. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Muslim men were required to be photographed, fingerprinted and interviewed by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Muslims and Arabs have been removed from flights for no reason. Americans often view Muslims and Arabs through Orientalism. Orientalism is an assumption that all people of Asian descent are alike and committed to the same social and religious customs. The view remains unchanged and does not evolve. Orientalism leads to hate crimes against Muslims and Arabs by creating and promoting inaccurate stereotypes. Since the September 11 attacks, all Muslims and Arabs are now considered terrorists. This is not true. It is accurate to say that a few bad people of either Muslim or Arab descent plotted and carried out a horrific act. It is, however, unacceptable to assume that all Muslims and Arabs are terrorists because of those individuals. I believe individuals can promote tolerance and reduce prejudice by educating themselves on the Muslim and Arab cultures. Individuals may also reach out to Muslim and Arab communities in their town and become involved. Most communities hold ethnic festival which

individuals could attend. I believe this an excellent opportunity to experience the culture and meet members of the community. Stereotypes and prejudice are not going to go away unless people educate themselves and get involved.

Reference Muslim and Arab Americans: Diverse Minorities (2006). In ETH125_week4_reading3. Retrieved November 30, 2011 from Chapter 11 Muslim and Arab Americans: Diverse Minorities, Axia College.