Advice.....?

Finding a way to respect and commune with both is what will help bring both together. It is your unique qualities of understanding both that makes you so special.

Being neither is a little scary but someone has to transcend the status quo...As they say..."It's lonely at the top"

Just do what you feel comfortable doing. You can't worry about other people's actions, you cannot control that. I know this probably isn't the advice you were looking for, but that is the best I can offer you. Good luck. :o)

My friend, who lives a few houses down and across the street has a similar situation. He came here from Iran in the mid-70's and attended engineering school here. His wife, who had been born here, but her parents came from Jordan. her family is still arabic in many ways and traditions. He is all American. They raised their kids as any other American family would. he said that his in-laws refuse to visit them. And when they go to visit them, they are expected to take on arabic traditions, which their kids know nothing about.

Don't let others push cultural archetypes on you just because they can.Guilt is usually the weapon they use to make you do what you don't want or like. If you dig deeper there is not real reason why you should follow what others are telling you to do, instead of your best judgment .Be strong and make your own mistakes and don't repeat someone else's out of guilt

This is a tough situation, especially in view of the political climate currently in the U.S. I agree with Pickynancy, you have to do what's best for you. You are not the one with the issues, Arab or American. You have found a balance, now they need to. You can be a role model, but if you try to "convert" either or both sides all you will be is in the middle. Don't polarize yourself, and don't try to change anyone. Eventually both sides of your family will come to appreciate you and your choices.

Just be yourself no matter what and if you need to keep your distance do that too.

I suggest that you contact some Baha'is in your area by going to any Baha'i centers. They will be happy to share with you great experiences about race untiy, cultural unity, religious unity...Yes everything concerning a peaceful life in harmony and unity. As an Asian, I had my heavenly days in staying wirh various Iranian-American, African-American, Indian-American families for about two months in 1970.
Be assured that we Baha'is don't try to convert people, we only want to get into conversation for mutual understanding.
Before contacting them , you can read some Baha'i books at:

• bahai.org
• bahai-faith.org