This workshop is part of Arab Heritage Month at the University of Michigan.

In today's political and social context, amidst the rising allegations of reports over the behavior of men and sexual misconduct, the discussion of masculinity has risen to the national spotlight. This workshop will provide space to reflect, engage and consider how masculinity and mental health is tied to masculinity using the framing of Orientalism: suggesting that Arabs (and Muslims) are the subjects of study and scrutiny for Western outsiders acting as the experts on their behalf, resulting in a systematic exclusion from Arab contribution on issues directly related to and affecting their existence.

While this workshop is intended for those self-identifying as men impacted by Orientalism, all are welcome to learn and observe in this space.

Presenter Robbie Abdelhoq serves as the Program Manager over OSCR’s formal conflict resolution pathways. He received a master’s degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University in 2011 and is a doctoral candidate in Educational Philosophy at The University of Toledo. Currently, Robbie is piloting a project on "Healthy Arab Masculinity" is his hometown of Toledo, Ohio.