In an era when many continue to stereotype Arab Americans as perpetual outsiders, USC Dornsife professor Sarah Gualtieri is reshaping the narrative. In her insightful new book, Arab Routes: Pathways to Syrian California (Stanford University Press, 2019), Gualtieri documents the rich, multifaceted history of Arab American communities in Southern California, underscoring their longstanding contributions and deep cultural roots.
A Hidden Family Treasure Opens the Door
Sarah Gualtieri recounts the story of Kathy Saade Kenny—a third-generation Palestinian American—who, in 2003, discovered a mysterious cache of over 130 letters hidden in an old See’s candy box in her mother’s Los Angeles home. Written by her grandmother, Katrina Sa’ade, these letters, penned in Arabic, held the key to untold family history. Kathy’s journey to unlock this legacy, with the assistance of a Palestinian historian and translator, not only uncovered a dramatic divorce case that sent her grandmother back and forth to Palestine but also allowed Kathy to connect deeply with her Arab heritage.
Challenging Stereotypes and Reclaiming History
Gualtieri explains, “Traditionally, California history hasn’t done a very good job of recognizing the deep roots of the Arab community here in the state. My book pushes against the widely held notion that Arabs are merely new immigrants, highlighting instead how Arab Americans have been an integral part of California’s fabric for generations.” Her research dismantles the simplistic view of immigration as a unilinear journey by exploring the intricate ways in which the lived experiences and multicultural interactions of Syrian and Lebanese migrants have shaped the region.
The Latin American Connection
One of the compelling themes in Gualtieri’s work is the underexplored Latin American dimension of Arab migration. Since the late 19th century, many Syrian and Lebanese migrants journeyed to Southern California via Latin America, particularly through Mexico. “This southern route, often overlooked, reveals how Arab immigrants built interethnic solidarities with Latin American communities, creating a rich, hybrid cultural identity,” Gualtieri says. This connection helped redefine what it means to be American, as Arab American families balanced their Middle Eastern heritage with their evolving identities in a multicultural society.
Stories of Solidarity and Resilience
Gualtieri delves into historical events that exemplify the unity between Arab Americans and other communities. For example, she examines the infamous Sleepy Lagoon murder trial of 1942—a case that, despite being marred by racial prejudice, saw Syrian American lawyer George Shibley emerge as a key figure in defending Mexican American youths. “Understanding this trial through the lens of a Syrian American defender reveals the profound solidarity that emerged between Arab and Mexican Americans during a time of intense discrimination,” she explains.
Different Ways to Be American
At a time when Islamophobia and xenophobia are on the rise, Gualtieri urges a broader understanding of American identity. “Too often, Arabs are seen as more connected to their countries of origin than to America itself. My book offers a rich history of how deeply integrated Arab Americans are into Southern California’s cultural and social landscape,” she asserts. The striking cover of her book—featuring acrobats performing at Muscle Beach with a Syrian American café in the backdrop—symbolizes the layered, dynamic identity of Arab Americans.
Looking Ahead: Talks and Seminars
Sarah Gualtieri will share her findings and discuss the broader implications of her research at an upcoming talk at the Doheny Memorial Library. In addition, she plans to teach a seminar titled “Critical Middle Eastern Studies” on Arab Routes this fall, further cementing her role as a leading scholar in re-inscribing Arab contributions into the American historical narrative.
Conclusion
By chronicling untold stories of family, migration, and cultural integration, Sarah Gualtieri’s Arab Routes: Pathways to Syrian California not only reclaims the Arab narrative in California history but also challenges the stereotypes that have long marginalized Arab American identities. This work is an essential read for anyone interested in the multifaceted nature of American identity and the rich, interconnected heritage that defines Southern California.