This week consisted of constructivism, a visit to the French Embassy, and a discussion of identity via our relationship with immigrants/foreigners. The discussion that resonated with me the most was how immigration is to the U.S. is framed. We watched numerous videos in class that showed attitudes toward immigration ranging from drivers license tests being required in English to the "natural beauty" of America. These attitudes towards people not native to America were discussed in class but I feel that there is a larger importance to these attitudes.
How we approach immigrants is unique. Generally, we acknowledge differences between us, Americans, and them, the foreigners. This dichotomy that's established reinforces structural stereotypes that exist in the status quo. For example, in the "Welcome to America" clip, many stereotypes and techniques were used to differentiate between America and foreigners. Clips of foreigners were juxtaposed with clips of white Americans. Additionally, the clips of the foreigners were of them in their native garments, reinforcing their clear difference from Americans. While the intention of the video may not have been to establish us-them dichotomies, the assumptions behind the video are uniquely flawed. While the United States prides itself in being a melting pot nation, flawed representations and forms of securitization consistently occur. Tightening on immigration laws are an example of the U.S. securitizing against the threat of the immigrant. While these issues weren't entirely fleshed out in class, it seems that the representations we see via Youtube videos and media, can potentially have a larger impact on nation-state policies.
No comments:
Post a Comment