Bridging Continents: Arab Diaspora and Cultural Identity in Brazil | John Tofik Karam

Описание: Explore the vibrant field of Arab cultural studies in Brazil with John Tofik Karam, based at the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies at the University of Urbana-Champaign. Born and raised in upstate New York, Karam's familial stories bridge continents, from his maternal grandmother's tales of "trinta e três" in Brazil to his paternal grandparents' journey from Ottoman Lebanon to Mexico and eventually New York. These narratives deeply influenced Karam's interest in the Lebanese and broader Arab diaspora's experiences in Latin America, especially in Brazil. His work illuminates the complex migration patterns, community formations, and cultural identities of Arabs in Brazil from the 19th century to the present, challenging conventional notions of identity and belonging.

0:00 Overview of John Tofik Karam's focus on Arab cultural studies in Brazil
2:38 Karam's familial ties across Brazil, Lebanon, and Mexico
5:47 Importance of family stories in shaping Karam's academic focus
7:40 History of 19th-century Syrian and Lebanese migration to Brazil
10:34 Differences in Arab migration to North and South America
15:20 Insights into the Lebanese community's demographics and contributions in Brazil
19:37 Exploring the term 'Turkos' and its implications for Arabs in Brazil
24:18 Influence of global and regional politics on the Arab diaspora's identity in Brazil
33:41 Diaspora's engagement with their ancestral homelands
45:01 Quick Q&A on Arab cultural studies and the diaspora in Brazil

John Tofik Karam is an esteemed scholar in the field of Arab cultural studies, with a particular emphasis on the Arab diaspora in Brazil. His work bridges academic research with personal narratives, offering insights into the complexities of cultural identity, migration, and diaspora studies. Karam's academic journey is deeply rooted in his family's multi-continental history, enriching his exploration of Arab cultural presence and influence in Latin America.

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