Tuesday, January 26, 2010
How Being an Immigrant Shaped My Life. - RR
In the article by Sonia Pressman Fuentes she believes that every American with the exception of Native Americans is an immigrant. While telling the story of how she learns how her family came to the United States, Fuentes explains her philosophy on being an American immigrant. But she also feels bitter about it. She says that it "robbed me of my childhood." In some ways I think that she is unhappy not having a solid homeland to call her own. I agree with Fuentes and think that by being an immigrant especially at an age where you are still learning who and where you are is disconcerting. To not have a specific place to say where you lived and grew up in is not good. Sometimes I think you become lonely when you have to grapple with the question of where you are from. If your German your European and people think of you in that way. If you say American then you belong here and are not thought of any differently. Having a choice between the two creates a void in your instincts of where to go home to. I have never lived anywhere else but 3835 N. Kenmore, but I do think living in another country, possibly one of my heritage would be interesting. Especially if i developed any kind of bond, even to a place i've never been.
American Dreamer Reader Response
Bharati Mukherjee is a very opinionated writer who talks about her views as an immigrant. Coming from India and her village Fardipur, Mukherjee telling Americans and immigrants to look to the new American culture and do not be bogged down by old customs. Mukherjee talks about being lonely and detached from her roots while in Canada where the population is not as excepting. In her words they "resists culture fusion." I agree with her statements on Canada and think the U.S. while it is known for racial and cultural tolerance is underrated on the world stage. Surprisingly most countries, such as Canada, still draw lines between being a true Canadian and a Canadian of color.
Mukherjee felt that the switch between a foreign student and U.S. citizen was a big change. She also says that she takes being an American citizen very seriously. I think that there is a significant difference in outlooks on citizenship between people who immigrant here and people who's families have known nothing but the Americas. Like Mukherjee says, "I became a citizen by choice, not by simple accident of birth." Mukherjee looks down on people who were given American citizenship (by birth) and don't appreciate it or embrace it.
I embrace Mukherjee's choice to drop the hyphenated American title. I think that (like Mukherjee) the hyphenation is a way of categorizing the different cultures that speckle America. I feel like you are not truly embracing the country you live in by having the need to label yourself as an Asian-American ect. By celebrating your "adopted homeland" I think that in its self is what it means to really be American.
Monday, January 18, 2010
King Still King?
In Martin Luther King Jr's letter to Birmingham jail he outlines the conflict that he and all African Americans at the time were going through. King is also amazed by the reactions from moderate whites. I quote "Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." To this quote, I think that the things King was fighting for are still relevant today. I do not believe that we have successfully accepted African Americans as Americans and I do not believe that we have over come our preference for "a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice..." This quote from the letter could not be more true today. I feel as if the war in Iraq has been a negative peace if thats even peace at all.
The things King stood for are in some small doses prevalent today. I think that in the south especially there are still some racial problems for both blacks and whites. This has mainly to do with the roots of racism that have been around for a long time. I think that sometimes blacks are treated unfairly and job opportunities and opportunities in life are skewed more then they should be. I think things can still change and I hope that they will.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Music Album Review - Con Law
Album: Con Law
Artist: The Generationals
Year: 2009
This new funky band is better known for there single "When They Fight, They Fight" played in Urban Outfitters stores around the country. Despite some comments, I think this album is exceptional. Coming out of New Orleans this band is led by Grant Widmer and Ted Joyner. Using echoey keyboards and the occasional blare of horns they present a unique roughness with guitar effects and solid drum beats. Coupled with feedback and the sound of singing in a bathroom this record is quality. Some free songs are available at http://generationals.bandcamp.com/ Songs I would recommend would include "Wildlife Sculpture" which has an amazing keyboard riff that is especially catchy. Another would be "Exterior-Street-Day" which gives off Talking Heads/The Cars vibes with old school lazy vocals and a sing-a-long chorus. If your looking for a catchy bass line and all out great song "When They Fight, They Fight" is a song everyone should buy.
I myself am in a band (Crash Hero) and if your curious can check us out on Youtube.
for other info or show ideas contact us on facebook:
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