The Dialogue between the (Self) and the (Other): Analysis of Arab-American Dialectical Relation

Abstract

The 'Self' and the 'Other' are two philosophic concepts that are represented in this study to reflect upon the relations between East and West, considering in particular the dialectical relation between Arabs and Americans. Analysis of selected history events introduces such inter-relations being mainly described on the basis of colonialism, terrorism, and peace on the other hand. Arab-American relations were questioned in the Arab region, where Arabs considered the relation in terms of American polarization as dominant and supporting the Jewish presence, which is mainly the reason behind the cultural clash that ended into a clear political clash by the rejection of the Deal of the Century. The study concluding that Arabs were used to decades of rejecting and denying the (other) in different stages of history because of their cultural heritage ; and that they should rather now reconsider their standings to make it more humanitarian seeking peace rather than hatred and violence .

Key words: The 'Self' and the 'Other', Arab, American, colonialism, terrorism, peace, Arab-American relations, Arab region, American polarization, Jewish presence, Deal of the Century.

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/86-18

Publication date:June 30^th 2019