The Construction of Palestinian Diasporic Identity in Massachusetts

Download or read book The Construction of Palestinian Diasporic Identity in Massachusetts written by Lilian Maria Chryssis and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Though the characteristics of stateless diasporas are not widely studied, they c ould facilitate greater understanding of diasporic studies in general. As one of the largest stateless diasporas in the world today, Palestinian diaspora member s are scattered throughout the globe. Even though diasporic experiences differ f rom case to case, especially according to location, Palestinian diaspora discour se centers on the political plight of the Palestinians and their aspiration towa rds statehood. This study focuses specifically on Palestinians in Massachusetts (MA). By interviewing twenty-six Palestinians residing in MA (both foreign-born and A merican-born), this study has detected the processes deployed for maintaining th e original culture while at the same time fusing host land elements to create a hybrid identity. Such a hybrid identity could be useful in promoting mutual unde rstanding between the host land and the homeland. Essential research questions w ere evolved around the following: Is there a strong link between Palestinian's i n diaspora and the homeland? Are members of the diaspora united through a single organized community? Do members of the diaspora reveal hybridity through intert wining both homeland and host land cultural practices? Are members politically a ware of developments in both the host land and the homeland? And do they elect o fficials according to their stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? The findings for this study highlight how the maintenance of a Palestinian cultu re and the political identities of the respondents combine. Furthermore, politic al role was explored as Palestinian-Americans in MA reside in a highly intellect ual hub, and thus, attempt to influence the policies of their host land governme nt (the US) in order to better the conditions of their brethren in the homeland (Palestine).