The definition of stigma is “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.” In my opinion the Arabic culture is one of the most stigmatized in society. When people are asked about Arab countries they will most likely mention things like camels, various types of facial coverings and the desert, things that have probably been picked up from cartoons such as Disney’s Aladdin. The other, darker end of the spectrum is what is shown on the news about Arab cultures, terrorist attacks and militant groups. Yes, these things happen and they are not to be taken lightly, however, the blame tends to fall on many people who in no way agree with those beliefs and thus demonize their entire culture. Even the religion of Islam is shrouded in stigma.
Our school, Boston Latin Academy offers a multitude of languages, such as French, Spanish and Japanese. These cultures can be celebrated in their own right and often are, whether by being celebrated on the world stage or wearing clothing with the language adorning it. I was excited to take part in showing people the language that I’m proud to take but I quickly became saddened after I thought about it some more. If I were to buy an Arabic hoodie, even though the text is, in fact, the Pledge of Allegiance, where can I really wear it? To school? Of course, other people here take the language themselves while some are native speakers. But anywhere else? Not really. There are many stories of people getting verbally attacked because of the stigma that envelops the Arab culture.
The famous quote, “Knowledge is power” comes to mind when I think about ways to filter stigma out of society. If cultural awareness was hard-wired into our school systems and people were educated about these matters then stigmas would easily be proven false and might not even exist. People would be educated enough to be able to disprove a stigmatic comment someone is making and educate that person there and then. They can use their knowledge to spread the right ideals about cultures to newer generations and old, and to foster a society with less and less prejudice. Before geography was an idea found in books and in classrooms, no one was really educated about it and no one felt the need to be. They knew what was around them and what they couldn’t see, they just assumed. Then geography was placed in classrooms and we’re all the better because of it. It’s quite literally brought people together worldwide.