Are lebanese people "embarrassed" about being arab?

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حلاَمبرا hallambra

It was very funny to read the replies to your question.
Each of us has a personal view about to be arab or not... what i dont understand is why to insult someone that doesnt think as we do.
In my own case, I'm very proud of my lebanese heritage, but dont consider myself arab.
It is not about to be better or worse. For me not to be arab is about the culture. I know that lebanese pple talks arabic, and share many other things with another arab countries, but the roots and many uses arent arabs.
I know that Lebanon was part of a bigger nation, that nowadays doesnt exists as it was.... and also know, that the real Arabs are the ones from the Gulf and the first tribes from Saudia. I havent anything against the pple that is arab.
I'm not trying to offend anyone here, but the examples that some of the answerers gave here to support their opinion are really strange.

1.....One person said here that if lebanese pple has arabic as first lang...they are arabs.
But......I'm lebanese...and...arabic is not my 1st lang. So, in which category do they put me? Am I not lebanese then?

2.....Not all south american speak spanish...
Brazil doesnt. The colonization in most part of South America was from Spain, but in Brazil was from Portugal
Anyways...we are all south americans........but is a mistake to think that all of us are latins or hispanics only bcoz we speak spanish.
South America is formed by pple from many countries, the migration was really strong here in the 1st half of the XX century.....we share the same lang, but we havent all the same origins. So, million of us dont consider ourselves hispanics. Our roots arent from Spain....

So.....going back to the lebanese being arabs... no........i dont consider it that way.

BTW.......israelies and lebaneses have the same semitic origin. I know many pple here will say NO.......but have to go to the history books and have the correct reply.

TRISTAN

its not that i am embarrassed being an Arab speaking the Arabic language ..but its really sad to see a lot of Arabs who don't cooperate with others and give bad stereotypes about other peaceful arabs in the rest of the world!

btw there are some lebanese people who consider themselves as Phoenicians and not Arabs .. well we have freedom and democracy, everyone may act the way they like

The Clown

There are a big difference........ between People speak Arabic.......... and Arabic speak People.......sorry I mean and Arabic People............

reader

Being an Arab is a very confusing concept for many. Some confuse it to the language, some to Islam and some to ethnicity. So we need to define the term first.

As for language, old arabic is a beautiful language as all languages are. Modern arabic dialects have enough differences to be labeled as separate languages. But I will continue as if they were one.
Not all those that are labeled as Arabic speakers do really speak arabic as their native language. and they are not a few. example, Kurds, Aramaic and Syriac speakers, not just those Assyrians, Turkish, Amazir, and many other tribal Languages in many other countries.

Many associate Islam to arab. at least some say all arabs are muslim. many non muslim arab prove it wrong.

Let us talk about race, the vast majority of those that are labeled as arab are not arab in race. I do not think arabs as a race counts for more that 20% percent and maybe less in what is so call the arab world.

Let us talk about the Arab and Lebanese that what is this question is all about. As languages many Lebanese consider their dialect as a separate language. if it is technically correct or not, I think they have the right to it. I can understand practically noting of many other arabic dialects.
some argue about race. Arabs as a race do not count for more than 30-35% of lebanese do not forget that when arab came to lebanon (as for the other countries labeled arab) it was fully populated.
Actually Lebanese people is a mix of Arab, Phoenician and many other races, greek, roman, western european, Persian, ... Hmm help me remember all the empires that invaded this country and those people that emmigrated to Lebanon and add them to the mix.
So the ethnical mix added to the cultural mix made us different to be noticed among those that label themselves as arabs.
I am not arguing on the basis of better or worse but on the basis that we have the right to be different and call us what you want: Lebanese, arab lebanese... we are still different. you cannot call us phoenician or syrians or anything else because it is only part of the mix.
But do not missunderstand me, I am proud of belonging to every one in the mix: Arab, phoenician, Syriac, greek, roman, ... all at the same time.
A lebanese researcher have done a beautiful job about the ethnical origin of lebanese. His name is Pierre Zalloua.

By the way, it is true that ethnically speaking the semitic Jews and Arabs are of the same race. Palestinian is a new term don't confuse things.

thought, I prefer to be who I am and not be labeled as a race.

Cedar

I'm solely Lebanese, and proud of it.

Gorilla good good Gorilla

At the worst of times lebanon is still the best.

Embarrassed, listen boy Lebanon is not just a country, Lebanon is a message.

Sakura 8D

Ok, how should I say this... (f.y.i.: I am Lebanese) I find it more INSULTING than embarrassing when I am called Arab. Language has nothing to do with it really. You take a Lebanese person (especially myself) and put them in a room full of people from other Arabic-speaking countries and I can guarantee they won't understand everything the others are saying. Lebanese people are different because they are Phoenicians. We have been conquered time and time again, which is the only reason we share many similarities when it comes to culture and language. In my opinion, when France was occupying Lebanon not so long ago, the language rubbed off on us, which is generally why our dialect is smoother than the others. When it comes down to it, you can believe whatever you want. I'm not Arab, and I'm sure sticking to that...

You sound like you need to get some education on the subject.

We are not Arabs, we are Phonecians, some are Greeks, some are Armenians. Most of us look as White as Europeans. Arabs invaded our country and imposed Arabic on us.

Egyptians, Libyans, Tunisians, Moroccans and Algerians are not Arabs either. Nor are Sudanese, Syrians and Palestinians.

The only Arabs are Saudis, Yemenis, Omanis, Qataris, Kuwaitis, Emratis, Bahrainis and half of Jordan. When did Lebanese ever look like Beduins and desert dwellers?

Anyways the Arabs don't consider us Arabs except when it suits them politically or when some Gulf pervert wants a White skinned wife.

amo

Actually I don’t care what are we but I have tow passport 1 European another is Lebanese and I more proud of being Lebanese and I like our culture

mango038

it's the first time i hear about it.. so for me, i'm not embarassed about being arab

Kate XI

Well I speak for myself but I was never embarrassed to be an Arab and to belong to the Arabic world (culturally and historically) but I am embarrassed on how the Arab world politically reacts and how it's not solidary and a puppet of other more "powerful" countries.

EDIT:
LOL @ the 6 thumbs down most of us are getting...so much for freedom of speech or is democracy only allowed when you speak what the others want to hear? Is that what democracy is all about? looks more like surpression but still...YAHOO is YAHOOD
Yes singing...that's my 11th account so far and tell you what...I will place a bet that this account will not make it till next week

EDIT:
About the statement that "Lebanese are Phoenicians"...We have Phoenician heritage and culture that's 100% right but as DNA descendent swe are not all Phoenicians it has been scientifically proved...only 22% of the Lebanese population (mostly those that live on the coast) have a DNA of phoenician desendence but most of us have DNA from the Arabic peninsula and Europe...and what's interesting is that in Cartage and in some southern towns in Spain and Italy the population there has DNA from Phoenicians .
There's a very interesting paper on a recent study by Dr Zalloua and National Geography.
http://phoenicia.org/genetics.html

Haute Couture

lol @ the above answers.
Lebanon is an Arab country, However historically it wasn't. it was conquered by Arabs from the arabian peninsula after the Dam of Yemen was destroyed.

Looking at the Arabic Language (اللغة العربية الفصحى) its extremely High context which is considered one of the most high context language of the world.

Now, Every Country which has Arabic as its OFFICIAL language is Considered internationally as an Arab country (like lebanon) and every person who's arabic is his first language is considered and Arab.

So to be an Arab don't require a DNA test 2 check if u came from Arabia or not, as long as u speak arabic ....ur an arab!

إن كنت شجاعا فتقدم

WE ARE ARABS...THATS FINAL

Shotstopper {Doktor}

I haven't met any such people many Arab Americans i met of Lebanese origin all claims to be Arab and proud of it.
some people confuses Arabs with Muslims i have noticed that for example i am middle eastern they automatically assume that I am Muslim but i dont even have a religion.
you should know that im a all American guy i dont know nothing about middle eastern culture i barely know arabic but still i am proud of my arab Heritage even though i am 1/4 turkish.
you also know my cousins they are all arab of syrian origin but they are proud of ethnicity.technically lebanon is part of syria so how can lebanese not be arab.

I also want to point out that you don't need to speak the language or needs to have arabic culture you need to be of ethnic Arab.Many arabs in america knows absolutely nothing about arab culture also cant speak their language but they are arab if they come from an ethnic arab countries like most countries in middle east and north africa. lebanese are semitic just like all arabs so they are arab by blood.
phoenician is a kingdom its not an ethnic group they are semitic therefore lebanese people are arab.Also lebanese people speak Arabic and follow many arabic traditions don't they?
Arab is an ethnic group just like the persians, kurds, Turkish, Armenian, you can't simply be arab if you speak Arabic.
Just like an Asian can't be born in france and speak french and he claims to be "french", same goes for Arabs even if they can't speak Arabic.

Singing Girl

MAMMA MIA! IS THERE KATE THE 11TH?!!?!?!?!?!?
AWESOME!!!!

Anyways, i agree what Kate said

freegirl

Kevin- what are you on about? We are all arabs even if we weren't we're the same people. Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria were from one country so if lebanon isn't arabic then lots of people are not arabs.

But why do Lebanon's try to act like americans? Even in their Video clips and stuff they copy them. Personally I think Lebanons are beautiful the way they are

If you can't show your true self then your nothing

Tribal Angel

i am Arrrrrab .. 3aaaaaaaaaaaa

i keeel you .. infidels

tramp

i just google the difference of Lebanese in arab world and came across to your question and wanted to share my own opinion :)

Did you know that 1 of 3 of the Turkish population carries '' Semitic,Arabic'' genes?

Then How could Lebanon be pure Phonetician or something else other than being Arab :S

And about the commenter Saaoomm... sorry couldnt remember your name, i liked your answer very much.Nowadays in here they collect money or other stuff for the people of Gaza and i dont support it and wouldnt donate a damn lira.While Arabs are a lot more richer (and money means power) than us why this happens to Palestine ? Be Wise and Take Action! I suppose They are not beggars They are your brothers!

Soccer Darling

First off @ SAKURA: I'm Lebanese as well, but I don't consider myself Phoenician. Phoenicians are our ancestors, but we have mixed with the Arabs and adapted to Arab culture. The Phoenicians have been gone for a long time. You also said that Lebanese can't understand other Arabs when they speak--WELL, that is how it is with dialects. Go to South America where MOST of them speak Spanish. They speak Spanish, but they don't all completely understand each other either, yet they are all Hipanics!!! Even in America, the country has different dialects, and I have met some Americans that said they couldn't understand Southerners or New Yorkers when they talked, but they are all American. Your answer is full of ignorance, Sakura.

But to answer the question, yes, some Lebanese are embarrassed about being Arab, as Sakura just proved. I'm Lebanese, yet I'm just as proud as being Arab. You are completely right, how liberal you are doesn't have anything to do with what your ethnicity is. In Lebanon, we grow up learning Arabic, we speak, read, and write in Arabic, we have Arab culture, our food, music, and culture is a mix of Mediterranean and Arab, etc, etc. So it always gets me SO annoyed when Lebanese say they are not Arab, they are "Phoenician". Our ancestors were Phoenician, but we are not full Phoenician. Like I said, we pretty much mixed and bred with the Arabs and that is the culture that stuck in Lebanon.

I don't see any issue at all about being Arab, it only makes me prouder, but I think some people are embarrased about it b/c of recent events such as 9/11. They try to distance themselves away from the "taboo" of being Arab by trying to hide behind their identity and say that they are ONLY Lebanese instead. I think it also has to do with when France was controlling Lebanon not so long ago. The French always had this tactic of "divide and conquer", so they tried to make some Lebanese feel superior to others by telling them that they are not Arab, and therefore, they are better b/c of that.

Tia

being embarrassed/insulted of being an arab is like farting in public...

everyone knows you did it (mostly because you stink), so own up to it and be proud lolol

Sαмsooмα {ραℒєς†îиîαи ✌ }

Sakura..its insulting to be an Arab? why, whats wrong exactly with being arab,

and im sorry to say but nothing seperates lebanon from palestine or syria than a few imaginary lines, and being on one side of those imaginary lines does not make u any better or different than the people on the other side.

Lebanese is a nationality. Arab is a culture and Language and ancestory, caucasian is the race.

You speak arabic, you enjoy dabke, you eat hummus, I am Palestinian, I speak arabic, I enjoy dabke, and I eat hummus.

And just cuz someone cannot understand all dialects does not make them more or less of an arab it might just be that they are ignorant

in latin america for example, they all agree they are hispanic or latinos, even tho each country has a different dialect and distinct culture.

the thing is not all lebanese think that way only a few, and those few are the ones i avoid and dont talk to cuz it annoys me. I had a freind like that, if i called her arab she would be like EWWW IM NOT ARAB IM LEBANESEEEEEEE and would always talk on how palestinians are nawaar and syrians are traitors and her parents even did not like her talking to "arabs" at school, enu wtf is their problem....

if u wanna be super anal about it, in palestine we were home to caananites and phillistines and then conquered by greeks and romans for a long time, then after the arab conquest we again got invaded by crusaders who raped and impregnated us all, so we also have diverse heritage and ancistory and european blood howver we dont parade it in the streets and u wont see a palestinian disgusted or "insulted" by being called an arab, thats stupid

and actually, sakura, syrian arabic is not much different from lebanese, of course there is a difference, but it is not that big and yall dont sound more smooth or soft than everybody, in nablus and yaffa and haifa in palestine they speak similar to yall's dialect also. so really, the dialect thing is nothing too special either.

ppl like that want attention, they want to feel they are better and that they are unique, its a psychological issue i suppose

no body is worse than arabs when it comes to this stupid excessive arrogant nationalism, why put so much arrogance and pride over something u didnt work hard to achieve and was just a matter of birth?

if we arabs were not such a stupid group of selfish people then i believe palestine would not be in the situation it is in today, i blame the ARAB LEADERS and arab people more than i even blame israel and america for what has happened in falasteen...

Raphael A

just think about lebanon as a nation composed of/and that thinks as a whole like people in their 20s. they want to be different, they want to be special, they want to be Provocative, they want to be the sexiest, the proudest, the most unique. idk if they are EMBARRASSED but they do try to show off their french influence. they think they are the french of the arabs, just think about how the french as a whole act, water it down a bit, and there u have lebanese

Kevin S

Arabic has become a new term. In today's world, you are arabic if you have spoken arabic as a child and born into arabic culture (very relative). Bedoin arabs thinkey they are the original arabs. Personally, I feel their claim is legitimate. I have known Bedouins and they understand all Arabic dialects fluently, while a Lebanese person would have trouble understanding many words in Moroccan arabic. Lebanese people are arabic because their main language is arabic, but are they ethnically arabs? No one knows. Genetically speaking they are closer to Israelis and kurds, which means they are not arabs. But then Moroccans, Algerians, egyptians and iraqis would not be arabs as well. Their culture is arabic, but then again, since when is falafel and scwarma arabic? (It was originally turkish). I personally know many arabs, they consider sudanese black arabs or arabic blacks. Ask egyptians.

Note: it is not the same dialect as what you are thinking. For example a russian can understand fluently ukranian. A morrocan arab cannot understand a lebanese arab all that fluently. I have seen many times where they are just confused about what they are saying to each other. Sooner or later they won't be dialects anymore. sudenese blacks have their own langauge, sudanese arabs speak arabic.

Most Israelis whom are from arab countries are actually from the levant from north africa (and Iran) so most israelis are not really arab. This is why modern hebrew is likened with the French language (the r of of course) because north africa spoke french.

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