ADC’s Youth Empowerment Night
Friday night was the opening night of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee’s (ADC) 29th annual convention at the Capitol Hill Hyatt Regency. “Youth Empowerment Night” was organized by ADC’s Washington, DC chapter. The evening featured various performers and a special message from D. Paul Montiero, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, about how Arabs should continue the hewar (aka dialogue) with President Barack Hussein Obama. Afterwards, a hafleh got underway with music and dancing. Here are some of my keen observations of the evening:
Arab time was in full effect as the event was supposed to start at 9 pm but really started at 10.
Paul Montiero looked way too young to be working in the White House. Even he admitted he looks like a 15 year old.
There were two Palestinian-Americans present who work at the White House. One of whom is hoping to find a wife at the convention, according to Montiero.
The not-so-youthful in attendance didn’t get some of the jokes. An older man seated next to me said “ma ifhimit” (I don’t understand) on more than one occasion.
Some Arabs refused to shut the hell up and stop playing with their phones even when they were called out on it by the emcee.
No one wanted to dance to a Fairuz song from the 70s.
Women wearing micro minis and heels shouldn’t be on the dance floor doing the debka. That’s a disaster and/or peep show waiting to happen.
On that note, we all know the motto “don’t drink and drive.” It would also be wise to not drink and debka. I didn’t want to go home smelling like arak.
Some white chicks should go through a mandatory Arab dance class before breaking it down on the hafleh dance floor. Attempting to dance like Shakira only made it worse.
Arab men couldn’t stop staring when an American lady’s knockers took up most of the dance floor. Sorry guys, they’re not real.
One dude was dancing like he was at a techno party. Lay off the “E” next time buddy.
Finally, some females were dancing like donkeys jumping about with their legs kicking behind them. I was conflicted on whether to look at them in amusement or run for my safety.
Overall, I’d say laughter, music and dancing is not such a bad way to get Arab youth to feel empowered…or so they think.
[Tarboush Tip: Samoora]
Wait, there was DANCING involved?
I need to get in on this next year.
Oh yes. The dance parties are pretty popular at the ADC conventions. Actually, I think they're a big reason why a lot of young people attend the convention. That, and to find a future spouse, of course.
You seem not-so impressed. Personally, I had a great time. The comedians were funny, the performers were talented, the people were fun, and the music and dancing made for a good-relaxing atmosphere. Plus there were a lot of interesting people that I got to network with. I met one of the people who came representing the White House, and he was smart, intelligent, and had a lot of good things to say about the community and administration's efforts to reach out to Arab-Americans. While I haven't bought the Obama-hype, that did leave me interested in learning more. Overall, It think the evening was a success.
I agree with you actually. It was a good time.
Sounds like a party – was there any discussions going on as per their Arab American identity. I feel like this convention lacks substance..
It was a fun event. As for substance, it wasn't to be found here. It was basically a night of entertainment. The substance is found in the panel discussions during the convention.
That's it. I'm going next year.