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02/04/2026 9:59 am
In Phuc Tran’s book, Sigh, Gone, he discusses the difficulty of figuring out his identity as an immigrant in a mostly American neighborhood. From questioning his name to determining where he fits in the social structure of his high school, Tran has to navigate learning who he is with an additional barrier to the average teenager, having a whole other culture as a large part of his life. As he ages, he realizes that he wants nothing to do with his Vietnamese heritage and works hard to present himself as anything but an Asain nerd stereotype. By the time he reaches middle school, his parents have been able to move into a house in a new part of town. Phuc takes this opportunity to reinvent himself into a full punk skater. No matter how hard he tries, however, people often slip back into only focusing on he’s clearly not white. Finally, as he’s getting close to graduation, he feels like he’s made a version of himself that he likes, but even when he should be having a moment of joy, it’s overshadowed. People still single him out, “With the leaden weight of gook slung around my neck, I was dragged back in my place at the familiar bottom. Back to ‘Nam. It didn’t matter that I was going to speak at graduation or going to Bard or that I was on the prom court or any of that crap…I was still, shocking even to myself, a gook no matter how hard I tried not to be.” (Tran 283)
Similarly, in “Don’t feel sorry for refugees—believe in them” by Luma Mufleh, tells us, “We have seen advances in every aspect of our lives—except our humanity.” (Mufleh). As a refugee, the grandchild of a refugees, and someone who runs community programs for refugees, Mufleh is disgusted with the treatment the United States, and the world, have toward how they treat people who have been forced out of their homes. In one circumstance, a boy is jumped while playing outside of his apartment, waiting for her, and is badly injured, strictly because he was an immigrant. His family had been lucky enough to be in the .1% who get to resettle in the United States after escaping the Taliban in Pakistan. What she notes is, despite all of the targeting and ignorance she sees with refugees, she also sees the good, “Their journeys are haunting. But what I get to see every day is hope, resilience, determination, a love of life and appreciation for being able to rebuild their lives.” (Mufleh).
To be continued to be treated this way, despite all of the accomplishment and innocence of a young adult trying to do their best, it really speaks to the culture that Americans have toward immigrants, especially refugees.
Based on what you’ve seen in your own book, and the other Ted Talks, what is missing from the American mindset and culture to create a better environment for people coming into our country? What needs to change for these people to experience more success and acceptance?
07/04/2026 1:18 pm
The Armenian Genocide is over. Armenian Genocide survivors are scattered across the globe and and those who remain are struggling to live. After WW1 the country of Armenia was created, but it is very weak and frail. Turkish raids frequently wreck havoc among villages. Armenia joins the USSR (Soviet Republic) for safety. Americans continue raising and sending funds to help survivors, but more is needed. There is a motion to try and get a mandate for Armenia (The US would be their “protector” in a sense.) but it fails. The United States creates a stronger bond with the Turkish government, and Armenia is left to languish on their own. Turkey has covered up and censored all mention on the genocide in their country, and they refuse its acknowledgement. Genocides continued to happen after Armenia, and it seems the lessons of the 1910s were not learned.
Ever since the end of the Armenian Genocide, The United States has failed to properly respond to the Genocides of History. Many individuals tried to raise help for Armenians who were suffering after the Genocide, but in the end, it was not sufficent. The government did not continue with any efforts to take any political action, and the country of Armenia was left in the dust, because the United States government pursued better relations with the nation of Turkey. (Oil investments in the Middle East could have been at stake) I believe that this can be reflected upon for modern day purposes.
Many times the view of the populace is not reflected in elected officials. In the modern day, there are many who wish to create a welcoming environment for immigrants, but government stifle or strike down attempts which can make the difference between a successful and non successful immigration journeys.
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“At the convention Senator Pat Harrison of Mississippi brought politics to a moral lens: “When the Christian women and children were wantonly given to the Turkish sword this administration refused to act, but the moment the oil magnates of the land sought a concession in the oil fields of Mosul, the administration that refused to intervene to save Christian lives went to the front with vigor and decision…Show this administration an oil well and it will show you a foreign policy.” (Balakian 372) |
09/04/2026 1:33 pm
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Sol is exhausted and burnt out, she is split between 2 lives being a student and an employee.her grades and future are slipping, she's close to a breaking point In the last part of Brighter Than the Sun, Sol feels really sad and stressed and can’t hide it anymore. She tells the truth about how she feels. People help her, and she learns she doesn’t have to be like her sister. She starts to make her own choices and feel a little better.In Brighter Than the Sun, American culture often lacks understanding of people from different backgrounds. Sol feels trapped by her family’s and society’s expectations If people were more accepting and listened, newcomers could feel supported and succeed more easily.“I didn’t know where I belonged, like no one really saw me for who I was.”(Aleman 312) she doesn't know. |
