In this Book
- Arabs in the Mirror: Images and Self-Images from Pre-Islamic to Modern Times
- Book
- 2007
- Published by: University of Texas Press
summary
What is an Arab? Though many in the West would answer that question with simplistic stereotypes, the reality is far more complex and interesting. Arabs themselves have been debating Arab identity since pre-Islamic times, coming to a variety of conclusions about the nature and extent of their “Arabness.” Likewise, Westerners and others have attempted to analyze Arab identity, reaching mostly negative conclusions about Arab culture and capacity for self-government. To bring new perspectives to the question of Arab identity, Iraqi-born scholar Nissim Rejwan has assembled this fascinating collection of writings by Arab and Western intellectuals, who try to define what it means to be Arab. He begins with pre-Islamic times and continues to the last decades of the twentieth century, quoting thinkers ranging from Ibn Khaldun to modern writers such as al-Ansari, Haykal, Ahmad Amin, al-'Azm, and Said. Through their works, Rejwan shows how Arabs have grappled with such significant issues as the influence of Islam, the rise of nationalism, the quest for democracy, women's status, the younger generation, Egypt's place in the Arab world, Israel's role in Middle Eastern conflict, and the West's “cultural invasion.” By letting Arabs speak for themselves, Arabs in the Mirror refutes a prominent Western stereotype—that Arabs are incapable of self-reflection or self-government. On the contrary, it reveals a rich tradition of self-criticism and self-knowledge in the Arab world.
Table of Contents
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- Three: “Arabizing the Arabs”
- pp. 20-30
- Four: Self-Images Old and New
- pp. 31-49
- Six: Unity in Diversity
- pp. 65-76
- Seven: The Quest for Democracy
- pp. 77-91
- Eight: Resources and Development
- pp. 92-100
- Nine: The Social Scene
- pp. 101-121
- Ten: The Case of Egypt
- pp. 122-135
- Eleven: The West’s Inroads
- pp. 136-146
- Twelve: The Difference Israel Has Made
- pp. 147-159
- Thirteen: New Lessons for Old
- pp. 160-169
- Fourteen: The Intellectuals
- pp. 170-181
- Select Bibliography
- pp. 197-204
Additional Information
ISBN
9780292794481
Related ISBN(s)
9780292717275
MARC Record
OCLC
794702166
Pages
224
Launched on MUSE
2012-01-01
Language
English
Open Access
No