...Becoming American: The Chinese Experience SOCY 100 February 18, 2012 Introduction The Chinese Experience records the history of the Chinese in the United States. The three-part documentary shows how the first arrivals from China, their descendants, and recent immigrants have “become American.” It is a story about identity and belonging that is relative to all Americans. The documentary is divided into three programs, each with a focus on a particular time in history. Program 1 describes the first arrivals from China, beginning in the early 1800’s and ending in 1882, the year Congress passed the first Chinese exclusion act. Program 2, which details the years of exclusion and the way they shaped and distorted Chinese American life, opens in 1882 and ends soon after Congress repealed the exclusion acts in 1943. Program 3 examines life during the Cold War, in the wake of immigration reform in 1965, through the years of the Civil Rights Movement, and to the present day with new opportunities and new challenges for Chinese Americans. These three themes discussing the history will be the focus of this paper documenting the journey of the Chinese American dream. Becoming American: The Chinese Experience Program 1 begins in the mid-1800s a time of civil war and famine in southern China. Young Chinese men left their villages to search for better opportunities in other parts of the world. When the news of a gold rush in California reached China in 1849, thousands headed...
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...Becoming American: The Chinese Experience SOCY 100 February 18, 2012 Introduction The Chinese Experience records the history of the Chinese in the United States. The three-part documentary shows how the first arrivals from China, their descendants, and recent immigrants have “become American.” It is a story about identity and belonging that is relative to all Americans. The documentary is divided into three programs, each with a focus on a particular time in history. Program 1 describes the first arrivals from China, beginning in the early 1800’s and ending in 1882, the year Congress passed the first Chinese exclusion act. Program 2, which details the years of exclusion and the way they shaped and distorted Chinese American life, opens in 1882 and ends soon after Congress repealed the exclusion acts in 1943. Program 3 examines life during the Cold War, in the wake of immigration reform in 1965, through the years of the Civil Rights Movement, and to the present day with new opportunities and new challenges for Chinese Americans. These three themes discussing the history will be the focus of this paper documenting the journey of the Chinese American dream. Becoming American: The Chinese Experience Program 1 begins in the mid-1800s a time of civil war and famine in southern China. Young Chinese men left their villages to search for better opportunities in other parts of the world. When the news of a gold rush in California reached China in 1849, thousands headed...
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...Dinesh D’Souza “Becoming American” In “Becoming American”, Dinesh D’Souza explains the reasons why America is so attractive to the immigrants. He defends the idea that people immigrates to America because of the social status and wealth. D’Souza thinks that the search for better life is not only based on wealth and status but also on the dreams that each man can create his or her own destiny without any parental or cultural controls. The immigration is the result of the extremely difficult lifestyles in the Third World which includes overcrowded transportation, pollution, unsafe drinking water, poor education for the children, and the corrupt government. D’Souza says that media presents America as a land in which every citizen has a large home and even normal laborers can purchase expensive items. He also mentions that unlike the Third World countries, Americans do not have to fear starvation. He identifies the freedom of choice that America provides in several different areas like marriage, occupations and opinions. D’Souza explains that by coming to America he had the opportunity to experience new ideas, and ways of thinking. He illustrates this by giving example of his own life and early employment history. He has worked at the Washington Post and as a senior policy analyst for President Reagan. In America one can even become a comedian, which his father wouldn’t have ever approved of. He says in traditional cultures, birth determines a large part of someone’s life, including...
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...“A lot of Jamaicans come here confident they can pass but don’t, and judging from your transcript you’ll need to work really hard.” said my guidance counselor on my first day of school. I admit that my transcript was terrifying, and that anyone who saw it would think the same way, but I knew that I came to America for a reason. I wanted to tell her of my ambitions, but at that moment telling her I wanted to be a doctor would sound like a cliché. I was placed in the ninth grade—a year below my previous one. I thought at first that being put back would make the work easier but I was quickly disproved. The classes were very different from what I was used to; I was struggling and overwhelmed by the new culture and curriculum. I felt as if I was out fishing with only a fishing line and no hook. I felt embarrassed when I remembered my guidance counselor’s words. “Maybe she’s right,” I thought. I didn’t want to see her; neither did I want to be another statistic to her thoughts. I dreaded having her call me to her office with a “just as I thought” face as she informed me of my failing grades. I wanted to be the person that even in the slightest way, change her stereotype towards Jamaicans. It became apparent that my wanting to disprove her meant to first prove to myself that I could do it. I looked to my mom and two brothers for inspiration; my mom was still in Jamaica with my two brothers who no longer attended school due to financial constraints. I was the eldest, it is my responsibility...
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...I would like to obtain my Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Conflict Resolution so that I will have the appropriate skills and qualifications to become an effective leader in my company, who is able to mediate internal and external conflicts while strengthening my abilities to successfully aid in employee training and development, which I have discovered a real passion for. I recognize that the Ed. D. will prepare me for a hands-on leadership role by using existing research and practical instruction, which in turn, will give me the opportunity to advance my career and assume a greater role as a respected leader within my company. When considering my intent for the Educational Doctorate program at Abilene Christian, I believe it is important to understand both my experiences and my future career goals, which have helped lead me to this decision. While my resume may give an overview of professional accomplishments and education, it does not describe the business ventures I have embarked upon, the lessons learned from failures, or the entrepreneurial spirit that lives within me. Nor does it explain my drive to learn, my motivation for success, or the encouragement and support that surrounds me. Since starting college at Freed-Hardeman University in 1999, I have had the opportunity to start two of my own businesses. These included a mobile video company and a wedding chapel in Dickson, Tennessee. For a short period of time, I was a licensed...
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...briefly explain three reasons that support the claim that American society is becoming increasingly secular. (9 marks) One of the main reasons that support the claim that American society is becoming increasingly secular is the decline in church attendance. Bruce argues that America is becoming more secular. There is a decline in attendance even though statistics suggest otherwise. Opinion polls suggest attendance has-been stable around 40% since 1940. However Hadaway's research team visited churches in Ashtabula County to find in Original statistics did not match the churches. If 40% of all Americans attended Church the churches would be then full but they were not. These statistic may apply to the religious people in America however not the nation as a whole. Or also people being surveyed may be drawn into the Hawthorne effect, as it is still seen as socially desirable or normative to go to church so people who no longer attend church will say they still go if asked. Another reason to support the claim of America becoming increasingly secular is secularisation from within. Bruce argues that the manner American religion has accustomed to the modern world amounts to secularisation from within. Religion has become a form of therapy and importance on traditional Christian beliefs has declined. The change has enabled it to fit in with a secular society, so American religion has continued to be popular however it is becoming less religion. The purpose of religion has become more...
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...differences in culture and work ethic between Americans and Japanese. It shows how each group handles conflict in the work place, as well as at home. The main characters and leaders are faced with dilemmas and have to figure out how to work as a team to keep the automobile manufacturing plant up and running smoothly. According to Western Washington University (2011), there are many different sociological differences between the Japanese and Americans. Most importantly, the views of conflict and conflict resolution differ greatly. In the United States, conflict is seen as something that is inevitable, or bound to happen, whereas in Japan, conflict is considered dangerous to all relationships and should be diffused before it begins or avoided at all costs (Western Washington University, 2011). This fact along plays a major roll in the struggles between the Americans and the Japanese at the automobile manufacturing plant in Gung Ho. The American workers almost seemed as though they were looking for conflict to solve, but the Japanese executives were quick to avoid it at any cost possible. Culture also plays a major roll in determining how the characters approached and completed tasks presented to them. In the movie, a few of the American and Japanese main characters argue about their differences in spending time with family. The Japanese say that their job is their life; it is most important so they can provide for their families. For the Americans, they preferred to spend as much time...
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...(High-Context & Low-Context Culture Styles. (n.d.)). According to Edward Hall, these cultures prefer group harmony and consensus to individual achievement. They focus more on a speaker’s tone of voice, facial expression, gestures, posture, etc. than the actual words said. Travel effect stated four reasons why American workers chose not to use their vacation time. The first reason was the dread of returning from a vacation to piles of work, followed by the belief that no one will be able to step in and do their job for them while they're gone, not being able to afford going on vacation and lastly the fear of being seen as replaceable. “Indians are more efficient. Americans believe in more action and fewer words.” (SocialPC. (n.d.)). As previously stated, there are many differences between American and Indian work culture. Americans tend to be more relaxed work wise, while Indians tend to be extremely hard working. Due to their hard work, Indians quickly learned to adapt to new cultures and are very successful in other countries. Many of the differences between American and Indian culture arise from the fact that Indian cultures are based around their religions. Americans tend to be more individualistic and live life at their own will while Indians tend to rely more on the values of religion and family. Reference Chapter 1 Lecture: High-Context & Low-Context Culture Styles. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.marin.edu/buscom/index_files/Page605.htm Goudreau, J. (2013)...
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...is an independent young girl fighting to achieve the American dream and create a life of her own. Throughout the novel, one uncovers the struggle Sara overcomes, the “real” person she eventually is, and how she ultimately succeeds in becoming an American. Sara is seeking for a better life without her father and attempts to find her true identity in several ways. For example, Sara finds the room she wants to rent on her own and is the basis of her new independent life. ”This door was life. It was air. The bottom starting-point of becoming a person. I simply must have this room with the shut door.”(158-159). After Sara enters the door; she feels that she can now truly begin to identify herself and exemplifies her financial freedom. She can now study for an education that will help her reach the goal of employment as a teacher. This room also gives Sara a small glimpse of her goal. As Ms. Smolinsky said in America only the rich can afford privacy. Sara truly appreciates her new taste of the American dream and can now look forward to reaching the goal of a teacher. If Sara had stayed living with Reb and Ms. Smolinsky, she would have gotten nowhere towards her goal and remained the same she had grown up to—a mere image of her father. Sara dreams about how good of a time she would have, but finds herself desperately searching for someone to talk to, which proves that she has yet to completely reach the goal of becoming an American. For Sara, the feeling and accomplishment of living...
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...American Imperialism In the late 19th century, global empires were becoming closer together because of the improvements in technology. Weaponry and armies were becoming more powerful, while communications, transportation, and commerce connected the countries together like never before. The American dream of Imperialism was to bring the world together by exporting products, ideas, and influence. Americans wanted to teach other nations the American values of democracy, free enterprise capitalism, and Protestant Christianity. The social factors of American imperialism were to extend western ideas, religion, and government. The main idea was to find markets all around the world. The Americans wanted to expand their values, increase foreign trade, enhance American prestige, and guarantee future security. They were willing to do this by expanding boundaries, purchasing colonies, or persuading encouragement to take control and better the American social lifestyles and security. The economic growth of industrial networks had linked America with foreign markets like never before. Employment and farmers were depending on foreign countries to keep the economy going. Farmers and industries relied on the world to purchase products and goods and at the same time kept the economy going by providing jobs and keeping farmers from going broke and selling their farms. As America relied on foreign trade for wealth and power, they needed a strategic way to protect the foreign markets, and the...
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...Ferguson incident reflects the vulnerability of American society By Chen Zhang Ferguson a city in the state of Missouri continued to riot for weeks, demonstrations are sweeping most major cities in the country. “White police shoot to kill an unarmed African American incident” spawns new storm, increasingly vulnerable American society is once again putting up to a tough challenge. From Occupy Wall Street movement back in 2011, to Ferguson demonstration today, many similar event has been arose after the financial crisis and showing the hard truth of American society: increasing gap between rich and poor, unemployment rate is higher for people with color, “American Dream” for lower income people is becoming almost impossible. Racial and ethnic group’s problem is only the tip of the iceberg that’s being hidden in many of the troubles we are experiencing today....
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...to the implications the policies may have for African American Politics. Midway through his term, the address reconfirmed many of the policies presented previously. President Obama particularly emphasised the need for bipartisanship and respect for one another as a result of the recent Tucson tragedy. Democrats and Republicans intermingling in their seating displayed this. He called for all members of the “American family” to be “bound together as one people”. This is an important note when taking into account that of race for although over time the situation involving African Americans on the whole has improved, there are still many inequalities that still exist. The address emphasised three major points which will analyse innovation, education and infrastructure and technology. Continuing on the strong theme of unity, President Obama suggests that one of the most important investments the United States of America needs to make is that of innovation. He proposes that the nation needs to aim for “this generation’s Sputnik moment”. In this way, President Obama points out that developing nations like India and China are well on their way to becoming leaders in areas of technology and education. To continue being competitive in these areas he suggests the nation needs to “out-innovate, out-educate and outbuild” the rest of the world in order to reduce deficit and allow the nation to prosper. Traditionally, African Americans have had much higher rates of unemployment and lower...
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...Racial equality in the USA remains a distant dream – discuss The dream of racial equality has taken great steps towards becoming a reality in the past 50 years. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the election of the first black President are counteracted by events such as the shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and the fact only nine African-American senators have ever been elected to the Senate. In this way although on the surface racial equality appears to be achieved, the reality is that with economic discrimination increasing during the recession, and instances of white flight increasing, racial equality has not yet fully been achieved in the USA. There were many formal attempts to establish civil rights in the USA from 1950s onwards. Before this the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments created to guarantee the rights African-Americans had been ignored by many states, especially in the deep South, meaning that for most blacks racial equality was a distant dream. However, the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the creation of affirmative action policies under JFK began to change things. For the first time government policy began to make up for years of historical discrimination against the African-American population. Affirmative action ensured that members of all previous disadvantaged minorities were given a head start, specifically in areas like education and deployment. With all federally funded projects from the 60s onwards...
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...do research. Examine issues of accommodation and assimilation to mainstream American culture You might want to reflect on how the historical times in which they came of age influenced their experiences Consider differences and/or similarities in their attitudes towards --parents --traditional Chinese culture --Education --American values Matthew Munet Pardee and Jade; Similar Yet Different Family and class backgrounds have a major influence on the way humans create our perceptions and beliefs. I for one come from a Hispanic middle class family. My beliefs may have some similarities to other middle class Hispanics but may be completely opposite compared to a female who comes from a wealthy Hispanic family. This can be seen if we compare Pardee Lowe and Jade Snow Wong. These two prominent Asian American authors depict The Chinese authors Pardee Lowe and Jade Snow Wong display how assimilation differ with social class, gender, and ethnic background through their stories Nisei Daughter and Father and Glorious Descendent. There experiences defy the many anti-Asian prejudice that was established upon the Chinese people during that time. Coming from an Americanized home and wealthy family Pardee Lowe epitomized the ideal situation of growing up as a Chinese child. His father being a wealthy merchant differentiated from a typical Chinese kid growing up in American society. In addition, having an Americanized dad relieved Pardee of the many contrasting...
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...Biography of Mary Eliza Mahoney Abstract Mary Eliza Mahoney is recognized for being the first African-American woman in the world of nursing. With her dedication and great care she was able to open doors for many other women who wanted to share her dream of becoming a nurse. Early Years Throughout history women have often struggled to be heard and make a difference in the world. While there have been many women that have made a very meaningful contribution to the world of nursing, there is a particular woman that has been recognized by society not only for overcoming the many barriers she faced and becoming the first African-American nurse, but also for her several contributions to the world of nursing. With dedication and love for the profession Mrs. Mahoney was able to realize her long and personal dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She was born in Massachusetts on May 7, 1845. Although she had been working for many years as a cook, janitor, washerwoman and unofficial nurses assistant, with her determination she was able to attend the very rigorous nursing program in New England Hospital. While the 18 month program was difficult and very competitive she was able to become not only one among the only three that graduated from the program, but the first African-American to become a Registered Nurse. As it was very common in that era after graduation, Mrs. Mahoney became a...
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