People on the Move
People are on the move to all parts of the globe and for all kinds of reasons. For some, the reasons may not be pleasant. In the case of the many immigrants who leave their home countries do so because they are in search of a better life for themselves and for their families. Faced with oppression of war, corrupt governments, and economic strife many people are forced to immigrate elsewhere; specifically to American cities like Baltimore. A few weeks ago I attended a talk titled "Migration: A Global and Local Phenomenon" where the issue of migration was addressed both within the Jesuit mission and through first-hand, immigrant experiences. As a part of the Year of the City events, the talk serves as a significant piece of the ongoing goal of raising awareness about the needs of immigrants within the city of Baltimore as well as those people who continue struggle in their home countries. In conjunction with the migration talk, the class readings “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes, “Mindful” by Mary Oliver add literary elements to the discussion of migration.
The terms, “tossed salad,” “stew,” “mosaic,” and “melting pot” have been used to describe the state of diversity within the United States. The reason for such diversity is due to migration of people from countries all over the world. Many times those who migrate to the United States are faced with different kind of hardships than the ones that they faced at home. In order to survive they must learn to live the American lifestyle. One of the first panelists was an immigrant from Africa. His mission, now that he has lived in the United States for several years, is to help other immigrants within the acclimation and healing process, both physically and psychologically. He works to “foster a process of healing to help survivors regain their human spirit and to rediscover their hope.” He also reminds listeners that many people do not wish to leave their home country and unlike the common misconceptions of poverty and incompetence, many migrants were once prominent people in their home society and were forced to leave because of their political beliefs. “The challenge,” as he describes “is that many of these people are highly qualified with all kinds of degrees but they are not accepted here within the U.S.”
The next panelist served as a testament to this statement. Coming from Ethiopia and working as a Registered Nurse, this woman became familiar with the social and political injustices that plagued her country. In an effort to take make a difference, she joined a political group which recognized and supported a new government. The current corrupt government punished her for being a political activist and as a result, she was beaten and sexually abused. Seeking freedom of speech and security, she decided to immigrate to the U.S. Upon reaching the United States, she was faced with many difficulties. She did not speak English and could not use her skills as a registered nurse. After only eleven months, she learned to speak English very well; however, she still is not able to obtain a position as a nurse.
In connection with the class readings “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes and “Mindful” by Mary Oliver, these stories of immigration serve as applications of the themes presented within these pieces of literature. The poem “Mindful” by Mary Oliver asks readers to be careful observers of the every-day world and to appreciate the kind of life we have been given. Listening to the stories of the immigrants of the panel bring to light a new awareness for the kind of lifestyle that many of us are fortunate to have. ‘Thank You Ma’am” progresses the importance of avoiding the misjudgment of others and to learn something new from the people with whom we come into contact. Listening to the stories of the panelists from all over the world, not only have I learned about the hardships in other countries I have also learned that on the most basic level, these migrants are just human beings, in need of help.
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The terms, “tossed salad,” “stew,” “mosaic,” and “melting pot” have been used to describe the state of diversity within the United States. The reason for such diversity is due to migration of people from countries all over the world. Many times those who migrate to the United States are faced with different kind of hardships than the ones that they faced at home. In order to survive they must learn to live the American lifestyle. One of the first panelists was an immigrant from Africa. His mission, now that he has lived in the United States for several years, is to help other immigrants within the acclimation and healing process, both physically and psychologically. He works to “foster a process of healing to help survivors regain their human spirit and to rediscover their hope.” He also reminds listeners that many people do not wish to leave their home country and unlike the common misconceptions of poverty and incompetence, many migrants were once prominent people in their home society and were forced to leave because of their political beliefs. “The challenge,” as he describes “is that many of these people are highly qualified with all kinds of degrees but they are not accepted here within the U.S.”
The next panelist served as a testament to this statement. Coming from Ethiopia and working as a Registered Nurse, this woman became familiar with the social and political injustices that plagued her country. In an effort to take make a difference, she joined a political group which recognized and supported a new government. The current corrupt government punished her for being a political activist and as a result, she was beaten and sexually abused. Seeking freedom of speech and security, she decided to immigrate to the U.S. Upon reaching the United States, she was faced with many difficulties. She did not speak English and could not use her skills as a registered nurse. After only eleven months, she learned to speak English very well; however, she still is not able to obtain a position as a nurse.
In connection with the class readings “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes and “Mindful” by Mary Oliver, these stories of immigration serve as applications of the themes presented within these pieces of literature. The poem “Mindful” by Mary Oliver asks readers to be careful observers of the every-day world and to appreciate the kind of life we have been given. Listening to the stories of the immigrants of the panel bring to light a new awareness for the kind of lifestyle that many of us are fortunate to have. ‘Thank You Ma’am” progresses the importance of avoiding the misjudgment of others and to learn something new from the people with whom we come into contact. Listening to the stories of the panelists from all over the world, not only have I learned about the hardships in other countries I have also learned that on the most basic level, these migrants are just human beings, in need of help.
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posted by Molly F. @ 3:53 PM
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