What did it mean for Syrian migrants to "identify as Arab"? What alternatives were there?
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Actually, "identifying as Arab" is a complex process shaped by both internal and external elements. This identity was complicated by racial and legal challenges imposed by Canadian immigration laws, which often classified Syrians alongside other "Asiatic" or "non-European" groups. There were a couple of alternatives they could adopt:
- as Syrian or Lebanese 2) as White or Caucasian and 3) Religious Identification (Christian, Muslim, or Orthodox)
1: This was partly because "Syrian" or "Lebanese" allowed for more precise self-representation and avoided the negative connotations associated with racialized groups labeled as "Asiatic."
2: This identity allowed them to argue for exemption from restrictive immigration policies by emphasizing their assimilability and alignment with European cultural norms.
3: This could facilitate integration by aligning with religious communities in Canada, such as Christian groups, which were more widely accepted in the country’s socio-political landscape.