Family values: parents and their kids present a positive portrayal of Arab Americans

Family values: parents and their kids present a positive portrayal of Arab Americans

CHICAGO: Social media is inundated with offensive content, including hate, anger, personal attacks and, of course, exaggerated and false claims. Much of it is driven by angry political hyperbole and partisan attacks. It can be nauseating. But every once in a while you come across a social media account that is both positive and fun. And when you find one that also showcases positive views of Arab culture and life, it is even more satisfying. Salem Furrha, who is Palestinian, was born in Kuwait. When he came to the US he first lived in Michigan before moving to California, where he now resides with his Palestinian-Lebanese wife, Samah, and their eight children. Last year, to overcome the boredom of coronavirus lockdowns and other restrictions, he launched a family account on TikTok, a social media site that allows users to share short videos. The content on the platform can sometimes border on the salacious but the Furrha family's account uses it in a more constructive and wholesome way to offer a positive look at what everyday life in the US is like for Arab Americans. When I get bored or nauseated by the political fighting that increasingly dominates other social-media sites