SPACES AND EXCHANGES
·
Definition of the notion of spaces
and exchanges
·
Issue: Does the
American dream exist?
·
Introduction:
Immigrants have always seen the USA as a dream destination. Today, most of them
come from Asia and Central America.
·
The reasons why immigrants leave
their homeland.
-
a need for more freedom (1620, The
Mayflower with English Puritans aboard the ship fleeing religious persecution)
-
a desire to broaden their horizons (discovery
of another people and culture)
-
a quest for a better lifestyle Dear
Mom and Dad
·
What immigrants represent for their
host country.
A diverse population that enriches
American culture with:
-
the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s
with African-Americans manifesting black consciousness through art, music and literature.
-
the birth of Spanglish (a combination
of Spanish and English to communicate).
-
its workforce. Haibinh
‘s father working in a steel plant in Dear
Mom and Dad
·
The difficulties immigrants come
across.
On the one hand, cultures coexist and
influence one another. On the other hand, immigrants go through hardships.
-
Medical examinations and questions: Ellis
Island (1892-1954) Almost there / Angel Island (1910-1940) Angel Island video
-
Language barrier Haibinh
‘s father in Dear Mom and Dad /
Angel island video
-
Naturalization isn’t enough to become
“true” Americans. Recognition is hard to get.
(integration differs from assimilation)
Haibinh ‘s father in Dear Mom and Dad
·
Conclusion:
The USA is a multicultural society, which makes its richness and still attracts
foreigners. Both Americans and immigrants benefit from their exchanges. However,
the USA may present more dark sides than bright ones for some.
