Guialtieri also touches upon the limits of whiteness . When many Syrians were fighting for the right to naturalization in the United States they used a myriad of arguments including cultural history. Much like what you describe with Iranians occurred. Syrians referenced their contributions to civilization as if to “prove” they were worthy of being/ living among the white race.
Interestingly however this differs from Iranians and Maghbouleh’s argument because their “brag list” of cultural achievements are not melancholic but rather they are evidence. A means to an end that supposedly secures their whiteness. Gualtieri argues Syrians don’t want to prove they are better than everyone else, just that they are good enough to be considered white, or at least superior to those who are certainly non-white, such as black people. WEB du Bois describes whiteness as more alluring with“wages of whiteness” which is the psychological compensation of being “not black” in a racist, exploitative society.
Another similarity I found is the “model immigrant” narrative. Gualtieri describes that when Syrians weren’t granted nationality they interpreted this to mean they were deemed uncultured and unwelcome by white society. This is why their arguments revolved around contributions. But to further this they also became closer to Christianity which was inextricably linked with whiteness and colonialism. I think this was a method to remove Islam from the narrative, and with it, all associations to Orientalism. They chose claim their genetic roots and not their culture, even though the culture technically shaped so much of who they are.
Honestly this was a sad read, as I assume Maghbouleh’s was as well. It’s mindblowing to comprehend the internal racism and the extent individuals were willing to go to “fit in” even if realistically a legal ruling doesn’t change much in the challenges of daily life. As you mention the collective whiteness is what matters when feeling including in white spaces.