امبراطور الحب
 نقاط : 8663
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 تاريخ التسجيل : 05/06/2011
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 |  موضوع: Who Are the Lebanese-Americans?  06.10.11 22:10 | |
| Who Are
the Lebanese-Americans? Around
3 million Americans descending from Lebanese origin live in the United States.
These Lebanese-Americans, up to five generations, migrated from Lebanon in several
waves starting in the 19th century. Most of the Lebanese Americans came from
the early waves of Lebanese Christians fleeing the Ottomans oppression around
the mid of the 19th Century and during WWI. Lebanese immigration continued and
was high in the 1970’- 80’s during the war in Lebanon, and in early
1990’s after Lebanon completely fell to Syrian occupation. (Details) | Population:Lebanese
Americans are found in every state with the majority being
native-born. Most of them live in Los Angeles, New York and Detroit and
often in metropolitan cities.
Ethnic Groups: around 85%
of the Lebanese Americans are the descendents of the Phoenicians(Canaanites)
and Syriac-Arameans, 10% Arab descendents, and 5% Armenians,
Greeks, Assyrians, Hebrews, Kurds, Persians and others
| |
Religions:
Christians form around 90% of the Lebanese Americans, Muslims and
minorities form around 10%.
Major Catholic
groups: Maronite, Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic/ Melkite
Major Orthodox groups: Greek Orthodox and Assyrian Orthodox
Major Muslim groups: Sunni, Shiaa and Druze
| |
Education:
Lebanese-Americans, coming from a country with universities are as old as 1866,
value education and have a high percentage of bachelor's degree holders.
| Languages:
In addition to English,
Lebanese Americans often speak Lebanese, Arabic, French and Armenian.
35 % speak Lebanese
20 % speak Lebanese and Arabic
15 % speak Lebanese, Arabic and French
05 % speak Armenian
|
The American census dose
not identify the Lebanese-Phoenicians as a minority ethnic group. The census
includes a category for Arabs only, if someone registers as Lebanese he/she is automatically inculded as Arab. Being non-Arabs, majority of the Lebanese
Americans did not identify themselves under that category. The census for Lebanese Americans
are hence obtained from the Christian churches in which most of them attend,
in addition to other religious and secular non- governmental organizations.
| Contributions to U.S.
Culture Lebanese
Americans
continue to make lasting cultural contributions. the Lebanese-born
poet-artist
Kalil Gibran is perhaps the most widely read and appreciated by American
readers
. Another prominent writer is children's author Naomi Shihab Nye. In
Public affairs, Dean of the White House press corps Helen Thomas and
consumer advocate Ralph Nader present prominent figures.In
entertainment, Lebanese
American stars include the comedian Danny Thomas, actress Kathy Najimy,
and Tony
Shalhoub, singer Paul Anka and Casey Kasem of ‘America's Top 40’.
Paul Orfalea, the founder of Kinko's photocopy stores, are also among
the many
Lebanese who have made their mark in America (
for Full List) Lebanese Americans
are involved in politics with Republicans, Democrats and independents, and have
a high ratio of voting among American citizens. Democratic and Republican parties
sponsors and Presidential candidates appeal to Lebanese voters in key states.Lebanese
Americans hold public office at all levels. Some served in the U.S. Senate, such
as George Mitchell of Maine (1980-1995), while many serve in the U.S. House of
Representatives. Lebanese Americans have served in the cabinets, military and
other high offices oadministrations, including Chief of Staff John H. Sununu
under President George Bush, Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala
under President Bill Clinton, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham under President
George W. Bush and the US Army Central Commander Gen. John Abizaid. Lebanese
Americans have been governors and mayors of American States and cities.(for
Full List) . “Lebanese
Americans have played a great role in the history of the United States, with
major achievements in medicine, business, law, government and the arts....Through
your dedication to the principles of constitutional democracy and your faith
in America’s future, you have made the Lebanese-American community a vital
force in our society and an aspiration to all Americans.” (President
Bill Clinton, 1992 - Full text)
Prominent
Lebanese-AmericansThe Americans
descending from Lebanese origins have been coherently mixing with the American
community since the past two centuries. There are many prominent figures in our
community that we would recognize for their achievements without knowing that
they carry Lebanese blood. Click here to go to the
full list.
Prominent Lebanese-Spanish Figures . Shakira
Singer, Performer
Lebanese-Colombian
Born in
Barranquilla, Colombia on 1977, for a Lebanese father and a Colombian mother,
Shakira Isabel Mebarak is the youngest of her parents' eight children. Shakira's
female rocker style garnered her the World Music Award for Latin Female Artist
of the Year, while the phenomenal success of Laundry Service and 'Whenever, Whenever'
has hurled her to fame.
|  | 
| Salma
Hayek
Actress
Lebanese-Mexican
Born in Mexico for a Lebanese
Father and a Mexican mother, Salma Hayek began her career in 'Mexican TV' soap
operas in late 80's. She traveled to Los Angeles after gaining success in 'Un
Nuevo Amanecer' and 'Teresa'. Salma acted in several movies but was most known
for her role in Desperado (1990). Later, she played roles in ‘Wild Wild
West’, 'Frida' and recently 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico'.
She is considered to be the first Mexican actress to become a Hollywood movie
star since Dolores Del Rio. Salma carries one of the best known Lebanese family
names as her last name, Hayek.
| Yamila
Diaz
Supermodel
Lebanese-Argentinean
Yamila Dias Rahi was born
in Argentina, to a doctor father and an old folk home manager mother. Even at
24, Yamila's resume reads like a who's who book of accomplishments.
She's been a cover girl for Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Glamour and Elle.
Yamila carries her Argentinean last name 'Diaz' and her Lebanese 'Rahi'.
|  |
Global LebaneseThe Lebanese
seem to have inherited the traveling spirit of their Phoenician ancestors. More
than 80% of the Lebanese (up to the last 5 generations) live outside Lebanon
around the globe. Many Lebanese had successful achievements and became prominent
figures in the countries they ended in. In Business there is Nicholas
Hayek or "Mr. Swatch” was credited with
revamping the Swiss watch-making industry in the 1980s and Carlos Ghosn the
President of Nissan Motor Company. Wajdi Mouawad is one of Canada's
most prominent young writers. In fashion, Elie Saab is most
famous for designing the dress Halle Berry wore when she won the best actress
Oscar in 2002. Brian Peter Medawar is the Lebanese-Brazilian
who won the Nobel Laureate in Medicine in 1960 for discovery of acquired immunological
tolerance. In Politics and Public affairs there is Ellias Serrano the Former President
of Guatemala and Bucaram the Former Ecuador President.
Around 20% of the Brazilian parliament are of Lebanese descent. Many other presidents,
primers, governors, ministers and PM’s around the world are/were from Lebanese
origin. (Click for full list) | |
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هوِّر يابو الهوَّارة .. بلادي ارض الحضارة يلي ما بيعرفها منيح يرافقني ليها زيارة
