In recognition of Arab Heritage Month in November, the Arab Student Union and Celebrating Diversity Committee at Moraine Valley Community College are sponsoring a traveling exhibit, “A is for Arab: Stereotypes in U.S. Popular Culture” Nov. 5 through Dec. 10. It will be hosted in the Library, Building L, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, during the Library’s open hours. An opening event in the Library is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a Community Reception and Discussion will be Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is free and open to all.
The “A is for Arab” exhibition depicts the different ways Arabs are portrayed in popular media. Considered powerful, accessible and compelling, it features images from the Jack G. Shaheen Archive, and reveals and critiques the stereotypical portrayals of Arabs and Muslims in U.S. popular culture.
Providing historical context about these images, which range from film stills to comic books to editorial cartoons, this exhibition aims to educate and stimulate discussion about the impact of stereotypes on both individual perceptions and national policy.
The Jack G. Shaheen archive now contains nearly 3,000 motion pictures and television programs, editorial cartoons, motion picture posters and stills, comic books, and advertisements. Also included are movie/TV scripts, law cases, books and magazines, as well as toys and games. The exhibit comes from the Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives at New York University.
For more information, contact Nina Shoman-Dajani via email at shoman-dajanim@morainevalley.edu or call (708) 974-5229.
For news media inquiries, call Jessica Crotty, College and Community Relations coordinator, at (708) 974-5281, or e-mail her at crotty@morainevalley.edu.
