Said Americans Quote by Mohja Kahf
““Generally speaking, Americans cussed, smoke, and drank, and the Shamys had it on good authority that a fair number of them used drugs. Americans dated and fornicated and committed adultery. They had broken families and lots of divorces. Americans were not generous or hospitable like Uncle Abdulla and Aunt Fatma; they invited people to their houses only a few at a times, and didn't even let them bring their children, and only fed them little tiny portions of food they called courses on big empty plates they called good china. Plus, Americans ate out wastefully often... Americans believed the individual was more important than the family, and money was more important than anything. Khadra's dad said Americans threw out their sons and daughters when they turned eighteen unless they could pay rent--to their own parents! And, at the other end, they threw their parents into nursing homes when they got old. This, although they took slavish care of mere dogs. All in all, Americans led shallow, wasteful, materialistic lives.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Arab-American Experience, 2005
The passage critiques perceived American cultural flaws, highlighting materialism, individualism, and shallow social habits as contrasted with more communal values.
In simple terms: It says Americans are materialistic and selfish.
Recognize and balance personal success with community care.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Immigrant families
- cross‑cultural dialogues
- social policy debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural stereotypes shape our judgments?
- What examples contradict this critique?
The view may overgeneralize and ignore diversity within America.