Is Arab American POC? Does it help for admissions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is her name Arab sounding? If so, that might help. My dd wrote about the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 and how she was there for it as a kid. Have no idea if it made a difference but she was accepted to every college she applied to.

WTH does her name have to do with it?

Fatima Abdelwahab may be perceived very differently from Nancy Ajram.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you should flag it somewhere. Maybe “other?” I don’t think Arab Americans consider themselves white, right? And most white people don’t consider arab Americans white.

It depends. Arabs are diverse. While most have darker complexions, some are very white and have blue or green eyes. Others like Sudanese are very dark and more African-looking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are many Arabs who live in North Africa. So what you’re all really saying is that, despite one’s skin color, one can only be considered POC if they have sub-Saharan African or Native American ancestry.

It still can be a hook, PP.

My point is, simply, that Arab Americans should be considered POC.

Great! And my point is it’s a hook either way —POC label or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m MENA (middle eastern, northern African), ex-husband is white, and my daughter put down she is white and not mixed race as middle eastern is considered white on census forms. She feels very strongly that she’s middle eastern, but until racial definitions change, it’s not right to say you’re anything but white. Don’t think being middle eastern helps.

In your situation, I’d call her AA if your husband is from North Africa- it’s absolutely an accurate term for the offspring of someone born in Africa

Not true. My father who was 100% North African had blue eyes and very white skin. There is no way anyone would consider him (or me for that matter) as “African American”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is her name Arab sounding? If so, that might help. My dd wrote about the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 and how she was there for it as a kid. Have no idea if it made a difference but she was accepted to every college she applied to.

WTH does her name have to do with it?

Fatima Abdelwahab may be perceived very differently from Nancy Ajram.

Yes, I’m well aware of that. I’m Jewish and my last name is entirely fake, due to that issue.

I just don’t think you can boil down people’s experiences like that. Why can’t we let people have their own experiences?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m MENA (middle eastern, northern African), ex-husband is white, and my daughter put down she is white and not mixed race as middle eastern is considered white on census forms. She feels very strongly that she’s middle eastern, but until racial definitions change, it’s not right to say you’re anything but white. Don’t think being middle eastern helps.

In your situation, I’d call her AA if your husband is from North Africa- it’s absolutely an accurate term for the offspring of someone born in Africa

Not true. My father who was 100% North African had blue eyes and very white skin. There is no way anyone would consider him (or me for that matter) as “African American”.

Seriously. People on this thread are so damn stupid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was very surprised that a Sudanese student was marked white. I’m about 70% African Ancestry and pretty good at recognizing part Black facial features and hair texture. I’m not sure if the identification was intentional or accidental.

Who marked this student as white?

Unclear. Families are supposed to pick. If they do not, the registrar can pick.

False. Schools are not allowed to do that.

Actually the poster may be correct. Same thing as applying for a loan. If applicant doesn't complete, the banker makes best guess. Its all for the Feds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are many Arabs who live in North Africa. So what you’re all really saying is that, despite one’s skin color, one can only be considered POC if they have sub-Saharan African or Native American ancestry.

Nope, I consider most Asians as well as Aborigines and Polynesians POC. But there are people who have lived in Asia for generations who are 100% European. They are not POC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are many Arabs who live in North Africa. So what you’re all really saying is that, despite one’s skin color, one can only be considered POC if they have sub-Saharan African or Native American ancestry.

Nope, I consider most Asians as well as Aborigines and Polynesians POC. But there are people who have lived in Asia for generations who are 100% European. They are not POC.

Wait what? So you’re administering a purity test around who gets to be considered Asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m MENA (middle eastern, northern African), ex-husband is white, and my daughter put down she is white and not mixed race as middle eastern is considered white on census forms. She feels very strongly that she’s middle eastern, but until racial definitions change, it’s not right to say you’re anything but white. Don’t think being middle eastern helps.

In your situation, I’d call her AA if your husband is from North Africa- it’s absolutely an accurate term for the offspring of someone born in Africa

Or more accurately, bi-racial.

I would choose AA though, as it will likely increase your odds.

Don't hate the player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is her name Arab sounding? If so, that might help. My dd wrote about the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 and how she was there for it as a kid. Have no idea if it made a difference but she was accepted to every college she applied to.

WTH does her name have to do with it?

You are too stupid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m MENA (middle eastern, northern African), ex-husband is white, and my daughter put down she is white and not mixed race as middle eastern is considered white on census forms. She feels very strongly that she’s middle eastern, but until racial definitions change, it’s not right to say you’re anything but white. Don’t think being middle eastern helps.

In your situation, I’d call her AA if your husband is from North Africa- it’s absolutely an accurate term for the offspring of someone born in Africa

Or more accurately, bi-racial.

I would choose AA though, as it will likely increase your odds.

Don't hate the player.

Bi-racial? Huh?

[Anonymous]

Wait so now a North African is AA, but an Arab American is not a POC?

You people need to get your arbitrary designations straight.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the discussion, I am the OP. The hook is definitely there in the essays, and the apps are done. She did it all herself pretty much so I hope she's going down the right. path.

I'm amazed by some of the accomplishments of some of the kids on this forum (publishing scientific papers, starting businesses, running foundations), it really is a daunting process I can't wait for it to be over... until the next kid.

[Anonymous]

Technically speaking, Arab is a linguistic grouping, which is why it's such a diverse group. There are black Arabs and white Arabs, Christians and Muslims, etc. So it's not the most useful designation in the context of American racial policies.