Inclusion of Arab-Americans and Muslim-Americans Within Secondary U.S. History Textbooks

Abstract

Over the past two decades, textbook publishers have made large improvements by including multicultural education within their texts.  U.S. history textbooks have specifically included diverse perspectives.  The increased inclusion of diverse perspectives creates a more historically accurate depiction of how various cultures have contributed to the growth and success of America and promotes cultural pride and understanding.  Unfortunately, the same is not true of Arabs, Muslims, and Arab and Muslim-Americans.  A contextual analysis of five U.S. history textbooks was conducted to determine if Arab, Muslim, Arab-American and Muslim-American contributions and achievements were included.  The results determined that Arabs and Muslims are included within U.S. history textbooks, but primarily during times of conflict.  Arab and Muslim-Americans are typically not included nor are their contributions and achievements.