They are prototypes of cases concerning Arabism. With all the Westernization we have witnessed, it is difficult to identify ourselves as Arabs, said Nahed Barakat, psychology sophomore. If we look at someone dressed in the traditional Arab dress, we know they are Arab. But when we are always dressed in western clothes, listen to western music and our education is western, it s difficult to he characterized as an Arab. The Arabs are people who speak the Arabic language, identify themselves as Arabs , and are nationals or residents of member countries of the league of Arab states, says Arab Society, edited by Nicholas S. Hopkins and Saad Eddin Ihrahim.
Arab identity is important when trying to achieve Arab unity.
Yet, it is confusing when people take only one characteristic of members of the Arab world and use it alone as a basis for Arabism. There are several criteria needed in defining an Arab, Omar said. The criteria include language, culture, religion, geography and most important of all, kinship. If a person has a father who is Arab, then automatically he or she is an Arab. There are some people who live abroad who have more belief in Arab unity and identity while others may be living in the Middle East and are completely alienated from Arabism, Amr Heikal, physics graduating senior, said.