Immigration+Issues

This is the page where we explore whether qualitative theoretical concepts can help understand and lend insight to issues related to immigration.

Immigration Discussed in the Online Public Sphere
media type="youtube" key="njIcuGuV_YA" height="315" width="560"

With the advent of the Internet and social media there are new ways to express ideas and to discuss issues. One issue that is being discussed within this Internet public sphere is that of immigration reform and illegal immigration issues. Since these are sensitive issues, in the past the government or the ruling class would have tried to control the discussion surrounding the issue. However, with the increase in access to the Internet and social networks, people are no longer as restricted in being able to express themselves on this issue. With the Internet comes less regulation on freedom of expression and circumvents the government’s control on framing the issue.With the freedom of expression more firmly in the hands of the people, it comes as no surprise that immigrants themselves and their families can even contribute to the discussion. This turns the debate more personal and provides perspectives that might not have originally been a part of the discussion. Through the Internet they can potentially protect themselves through anonymity, but still express themselves and contribute to the growing discussion on immigration reform within the public sphere.

There are now many different mediums that are available for people to express their opinions on many different issues, including immigration and immigration reform. There are different groups that people can join, or pages that people have created on all sorts of social media platforms. You can find websites, Twitters, Facebook pages, blogs, forums, Pinterest boards, etc. all on the issue of immigration. It is through these mediums that people can express their opinions, comment on others’ opinions, and through this create a discussion of the issues.

Within these mediums, people express their views and respond to others through differing content. For some, video testimonials allow them the most creative outlet to express themselves, whereas others may choose to discuss political issues, such as immigration, through their comments. The Internet and the social media that users can manipulate to send their messages allows for the use of anything from videos, pictures, text, GIFs, sound, etc. People can be as creative as they want to discuss their opinions. In the example of immigration reform, people have created anything from a personal testimonial in a video, to a Twitter account that advocates immigrant’s rights, to memes critiquing immigration issues.

With a variety of new mediums with which to express their ideas and debate issues, average people now have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on immigration. With new input, people are no longer exposed to or influenced solely by those in the public spotlight, such as politicians, the media, and other authorities. Anyone can join the discussion and contribute their opinions and experiences. This creates two-way communication between the traditionally established roles of newsmaker and audience, producer and consumer. Everyone has more of an equal opportunity and the value of one’s opinion is left up to the audience. Some people may prefer personal testimonials over statistics, narrative stories over political statements. The public sphere is now open to all and left to interpretation (which, consequently often leads to enhanced debate).

**The Semiotics of Fashion: The Irony of Immigration and the Fashion Industry** This [| article]from 2011 discusses how major fashion labels such as Brooks Brothers and Oscar de la Renta were working together with Mayor Bloomberg to push reform for easier passage of immigrants into the U.S. New York has over 165,000 undocumented immigrants that account for around thirty percent of manufacturing jobs (where theses high price clothes are made). The article says that the fashion industry would benefit from a stable and easy visa procedure for immigrants, as they are the crux of the industry. Bloomberg said, "Fashion is an example of an industry that relies on talent from across the world". While immigrants do present new ideas and some success stories do exist (Levi was started by an immigrant), the sad twist is that many of these individuals come to New York seeking the 'American Dream'. However, they end up on a manufacturing machine making less than minimum wage so that Diane von Furstenberg and other fashion houses can continue with their billion dollar industry.

Immigrant Assimilation and American Fashion
In the 19th and 20th centuries there was a period of mass immigration to the United States. These immigrants were from many different countries with a range of cultures, practices, and styles of dress. Upon arrival to the U.S., many immigrants found themselves confronted with mixed reactions to their traditional garb. At that time in the U.S., fashion was a large part of society and helped to distinguish those who were American and who accepted the values of the American community. Therefore, when immigrants arrived from other countries and did not adapt their style of dress, it was often seen as a rejection of America and its ideals and values. In order to respond to these sentiments, immigrants began adopting American fashion, most especially the immigrant women. Although these immigrants donned new outfits and attempted to assimilate into American society, they were not rejecting the culture and traditions of their homeland, but instead were accepting the new society to which they had relocated. The new, American style of dress was a sign that the immigrants used to convey their acceptance of their new community, of their new home. Despite these changes, immigrants were still sometimes seen as "vulgar" or "pretentious" because of their attempts to imitate American fashion. In effect, these immigrants were experiencing two interpretations of their style of dress. Their attempts to assimilate into American society could be taken as acceptance, but also as pretension or ignorance (Williams, 1996). [|"Glory of Glories...She Wears a Hat"]



Despite that these events took place in the late 19th century and early 20th century, these same sentiments can potentially be seen in society today. When immigrants come to the United States, especially those who are illegal, they are often seen as pretentious for coming to the United States and trying to adapt to American customs, such as style of dress. Immigrants face the hardship of assimilation and potential rejection within American society. However, there is also a much larger gap between immigrants and American fashion and society than in the Williams article. In the 19th and 20th centuries, there was less of a socioeconomic gap between the lower classes and the elite, or those who dictate society's fashion trends. However, in today's society, it is difficult for immigrants to assimilate because of their potential lower socioeconomic status and their inability to purchase clothing and other commodities that are seen as fashionable and acceptable. It is not easy for immigrants to obtain the clothing that will mark their integration into American society, and even if they do obtain those items, once fashion is obtainable by the masses, the elite move on to a new style or a new trend.

(Megan Stockhausen and Meagan Bates)

=__ Materialism in Rap Music and the American Dream: __= //(Tierney Gallagher & Roth Smith) //

While materialism runs deep in rap and other kinds of music, there are often other corresponding themes that accompany it. Rap music traditionally has ties to urban, low-income areas. Many of rap’s fans come from these places, as do many rappers before they became rich and famous. Successful rappers often use their songs to point out their newfound wealth and how their lives have changed. To this end, many songs are laced with a ‘rags to riches’ theme in addition to their focus on materialism. Take for example some of the songs we mentioned – such as Wiz Khalifa’s “Work Hard, Play Hard” or Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now.” The lyrics and imagery instill listeners with the idea that anyone can make something out of nothing if they only work hard enough. These references can be associated with American Dream, or the ideal that anyone has the opportunity for prosperity and success in our country if they work hard enough. To illustrate, in “Work Hard, Play Hard,” the lyrics explain that Khalifa worked hard to earn what he has and this has paid off since he is now successful and rich. Not only does this hint at the American Dream, but imagery in the music video directly addresses this ideal. The video shows Khalifa wearing several items with stars and stripes, including a scarf and a bandana tied around his head. In several scenes he is even wearing the actual American flag around his neck or draped on his back. Because of songs like this, listeners of rap music are fascinated with living the American Dream and obtaining these lifestyles. Rappers show what living the Dream looks like in their music videos and talk about it in their lyrics. Yet, the American Dream ideal perpetuated by rap music has little to actually offer listeners.

Immigration ties into our focus on music’s perpetuation of materialism in our culture because of this connection to the American Dream. Rap music not only emphasizes the American Dream at home, but extends it abroad. Globalization and technologies have spread this ideal even further worldwide. The ability to reproduce media and share it with ease has made the music we produce here available all over the world. Rap music influences listeners worldwide and helps to shape their ideas of American culture and the opportunities here. Although our music promotes the American Dream ideal prevalent our culture, in reality, it is not as accessible as it seems. Immigrants who come to America pursuing the Dream are often faced with challenges and obstacles the media does not portray. Like many domestic listeners of rap music who are bounded by their backgrounds, many immigrants are confronted with parts of our society that inhibit them from pursuing the American Dream. After coming here, immigrants may feel the music that they once heard so full of promises seems fraudulent. Not everyone has the chance to live the life of a rapper. Music’s focus on materialism and the possibility of living the American Dream misrepresents our culture to listeners abroad. People see the image of us as Americans shown by music, but it is not really what our culture is like.

While many immigrants come to America influenced by our culture and mass media, it is important to note that rap music videos only play a small part representing the American lifestyle. This CNN story, “[|Fleeing the American Dream],” details the growing number of immigrants who are “self-deporting” back to their home countries due to tighter legislation and unexpected challenges. Fleeing the American Dream is not restricted to immigrants as well. A trend has been developing where some of the baby boomer generation retires overseas. Ecuador tops the list as the most retirement friendly country, with a low cost of living, inexpensive food and drink, and a top notch healthcare system. So the question becomes, is retiring abroad considered “fleeing the American Dream” or is the ability to go anywhere upon retirement now part of the American Dream in a more global society?

__** Notes from Class Discussion: **__
 * The reason California/Arizona/New Mexico/states in the west belong to the U.S. is because we took them in the Mexican American War in the 1840s
 * This relates to Gilroy’s discussion of imperialism and colonialism
 * Immigration issues: Self deportation, large industrial reserve army of illegal immigrants willing to work lower wage jobs if we aren’t
 * Issues tied into race, can’t untangle economic issues from race

Immigration and Higher Education
[|Immigration and Higher Education]

[|This articles] talks about a recent Pew study that tackles the question of whether or not immigrants to America "drain" society. This perception that immigrants are a drain on society could force them to live with a haunting feeling that others are looking at them as such ([|reminiscent of W.E.B. Dubois' double consciousness]).

Posted By - Sara

The Public Sphere and Immigration
Since within the public sphere citizens have rights to freedom, assembly, association, etc., how do immigrants play into this sphere?

As noted on the 3. Social Theory page, there is negative connotation for the public sphere when it comes to minorities, women, homosexuals, etc. For those who are marginalized by society, such as immigrants, is there ever really a chance for them to be fully integrated into something such as the public sphere?

In addition, Habermas argues that the public sphere has disappeared almost entirely because of the commercialization of mass media. So is there even a public sphere for immigrants to participate in?

Apparently some people do think that there is a public sphere for immigrants to participate in. Below are some links to books and articles that discuss the topic.

[|Immigrants Rights]

[|Immigrant Violence]

[|Gender, Migration, Public Sphere]

[|Shaping the Public Sphere]

--posted by Megan S.

=Marxist perspectives on immigration= Through research and class discussion we have uncovered that a Marxist, and communist, perspective is largely based upon ideas of class struggles. A society must meet it's physical and material demands. As a society we need the three basics such as food, shelter, water, and clothing. In a capitalist society there is a clear division of classes. The working class labors to produce these essentials all the while generating profits for the upper class. Perhaps there is not better example of this "class struggle" than to look at Mexican immigrants? A small group of American Citizens own the means of production and often employ illegal workers at low and unfair wages without health benefits. My question would be if the United States were a communist country, would this help to eliminate the class struggles faced by immigrant workers? Posted by Sara Crocker and Roth Smith

immigration "Cultural studies"

immigration qualitative

immigration marx

immigration subjectivity

immigration culture

immigration "public sphere"

immigration semiotics

immigration Foucault

Immigration postmodern

immigration "critical cultural history"

immigration gender

immigration race

=Foucault on Immigration and Power= Foucault would argue that there would (also) be discourses on immigration. Immigration is seen as lower in hierarchy compared to the established forms of power.

Creates power-knowledge between immigrants and citizens of a country. However in todays (shrinking, and often reffered to as 'global') society this power-knowledge may vary geographically within a country or geographical location, where those with the belief that they are in position of power might not be aware that their power is not based on absolute principles and are not constant. Foucault would also argue that power is exercised, not held. And that power is fluid and subject to change. This change can occur in an instance (i.e. a focusing event), or over longer periods of time (e.g. discourses on gender and equality among social groups). Foucault considered power to be operated in day to day interactions between people and institutions within a given geographical location (Bălan, n.d.).

"Foucault thinks that it is wrong to consider power as something that the institutions possess and use oppressively against individuals and groups, so he tries to move the analysis one step beyond viewing power as the plain oppression of the powerless by the powerful, aiming to examine how it operates in day to day interactions between people and institutions" (Bălan, n.d., p.38).

="Power must be analyzed as something which circulates, or as something which only functions in the form of a chain. Power is employed and exercised through a netlike organization. Individuals are the vehicles of power, not its points of application" - Michele Foucault (1980)=

"As opposed to most marxist thinkers, Focault is concerned less with the opressive aspect of power, but more with the resistance of those the power is exerted upon" (Bălan, n.d., p.38). [|Institutionalized response to power resistance] [|BBC Paris Riots (2007)]



=According to Foucault modern states are founded by soldiers, jurists and philosophers. The use of military-like tactics for a state to protect its borders and/or political interests are examples of power-over by force.=

Disciplinary power (i.e. surveillance) that target immigration populations does not end at the border of each sovereign state. Surveillance of the immigrant population continues within each country as well. Tools used in this surveillance consist often of documentation and differences between the immigrant population and the native populations in terms of official records (e.g. employment, taxing, drivers license, voting rights, and in some countries; property rights). Immigration statues determines the appropriate need for surveillance from the government, considering non-citizens are in greater risk of being deported, and may be denied stati such as becoming a citizen, resident, re-entry status for any misstep made by the non-citizen. The non-citizen is either aware of this already, or has been informed of this through the process of filling out immigration documents prior to entry.

Examples considering immigration and power-relationships with a "Focauldian lense" can be seen in following mainstream media:

=Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing" (1989)= "Do The Right Thing" (1989) IMDB.com [|The boycott scene] The Jordan's scene [|Racist stereotypes]



=Tropa De Elite (2007)= [|Intro - Police explanation] [|Foucault class discussion scene]

[|The Revival of Rio De Janeiro - Financial Times]



===Foucault would argue that power is not a thing that can be owned, but power rather manifests itself and acts in a particular way. Power is therefore more a form of being a strategy rather than a possession. ===

= Police vehicles as display of power-relationships =

Analyze the following themes within each picture:
 * How color schemes are being used
 * combinations of color
 * Sound, arrangement of lights
 * Type (i.e. make) of vehicle being used
 * Signification of vehicle related to the specific location
 * What does the vehicle 'look like'? (i.e. approachable, or unapproachable)





=

=

References Bălan, Sergiu (n.d.). M. Foucault's view on power relations. Retrieved on 03.27.2013 from 

Focault, Michele. (1980). Power/Knowledge: Selected Interviews and other writings 1972-1977. //London: Harvester Press//. 1980.

By. Alexander Moe & Travis Sanchez

=**Hip Hop Artists & Immigration**=

Many artists famous in the United States for R&B, hip hop, & rap music were actually born in foreign countries and immigrated to America. Many still have strong ties to their countries of origin and tie their music back to their roots. The existence of such artists displays the concept of the American dream becoming reality. Artists came to America with the hopes of becoming successful and many worked their way from near poverty to success and fortune - which is the subject of much music from this genre. The artists who have ties to other nations form a sort of 'imagined community' amongst themselves due to their widely celebrated success and ability to overcome obstacles.

Below is a "Hall of Fame" of artists who immigrated to America.

**Drake**

 * Country of Origin: Ontario, Canada**
 * Labels: Young Money, Cash Money, Republic**
 * Songs: Started From The Bottom**

=**Nicki Minaj**= 
 * Country of Origin: Saint James, Port of Spain**
 * Labels: Cash Money, Young Money, Republic, Universal Republic, Universal Motown**
 * Songs: Champion - reference her cousin being murdered in New York.**

=Shakira= 
 * Country of Origin: Colombia**
 * Labels: Sony Music, Live Nation**
 * Songs: Loca - reinforces Colombian roots**

=Rihanna= 
 * Country of Origin: Barbados**
 * Lables: Def Jam, SRP**
 * Songs: Diamonds**

__**Mexicans and the U.S.: Racial formation and gender performativity**__

__H__ispanics, Latinos, Chicanos, Central Americans, Americans, Mexico Texanos, Mexican Americans, La Raza, and gringo are each identities of a common group of immigrants. Cynthia__E__. Orozco, in her book //No mexicans, women, or dogs allowe//__//d//__, mentioned that these identities, as well as identities of immigrants across the globe, are constructed in two ways. Immigrants may receive an identity by how they are perceived by outsiders, or they may identify themselves by how they define and describe their own group. These ideas refer to racial formation. Immigration is an important element in racial formation because it often involves people traveling from their own culture to one that is significantly different. Immigration can also create different identities within the same group. The identity listed above, gringo, is often used within these common groups to denote someone who has lost the authenticity of their culture, particularly through immigration and especially to the United States. Gringo also commonly refers to white people, again particularly those in the United States, and calling someone with one of these identities this term is often seen as derogatory because it implies assimilation into another culture. The word “bandito” was another derogatory identity term, but one often given by white Americans to Mexicans who lived in the U.S., either by way of birth or immigration, implying that they were criminals. Such racism and xenophobia is common with immigration__.__

What is particularly interesting about Mexicans immigrating to the United States is that historically several areas of the U.S. were once owned by Mexico. These include Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, __a__nd Arizona. Parts of the U.S., in this sense, can be viewed as the homeland of Mexicans. But immigration often entails battle over territory. As Europeans immigrated to North America they appropriated the land of a people who must now emigrate - as opposed to moving freely - to land that was historically their own__.__



Immigration can also interact with gender performance (see Feminism tab). As cultures interact, different conceptions about gender usually emerge. A case for this is lower-class Mexicans in southern California, particularly around the Los Angeles area. Interacting with with other gangs in the areas, several Mexicans adopted a style of gender performance called being a cholo/chola. This identity is often associated with gang membership__.__

Urban dictionary defines a cholo as a “term implying a Hispanic male that typically dresses in chinos (khahki pants), a wifebeater, sleeveless teeshirt or a flannel shirt with only the top buttoned, a hairnet, or with a bandana around the forehead, usually halfway down over the eyes. Cholos often have black ink tattoos, commonly involving Catholic imagery, or calligraphy messages or family names __ .” __

How to be a Chol__o:__ []__

This video illustrates the performance required for this conception of the male gender. Although facetious in its nature, this still depicts how an immigrant population formed a racial identity and how gender roles are performed through that adjustment.

Urban dictionary describes a chola as “a teenage girl who associates closely with a gang of cholos or is the girlfriend of a cholo, who usually has thin, arched, angry looking tattooed-on or penciled-on eyebrows, brown or dark red lip liner, monroe, eyebrow and nose piercings, Converse or Nikes, lots of gold jewelry (with their name and crosses), crunchy gelled or moussed hair either down or gelled in a high perfect ponytail either straight back or gelled in a design, and they go out with cholos.”

What is particularly significant about this definition is the introductory and concluding comments: they go out with cholos. Gender perfomativity argues that a binaries arise in gender formation for which each sex has their own performance. This, in turn, assists in reproduction. It would be unlikely for a cholo to date someone who was not a chola, or for a chola to date someone that was not a cholo.