probablemente de todos los libros que leimos este semestre, el que mas me gusto fue el de enrique.
fue increible para mi ver todos los problemas que el tuvo que enfrentar para reunirse con su mama, pero lo mas interesante fue ver la importancia del tren en la historia de todos esos migrantes. no solo se ven forzados a volverse expertos en esquivar autoridades, sino que tambien tienen que aprender a respetar el tren, que se convierte en un ser vivo que devora personas. definitivamente un gran eye-opener.
aca un par de links sobre estos viajes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdbuH0NGak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JTs4RH9QzA
Thursday, December 18, 2008
los perjuicios del prejuicio
si bien creo que es importante analizar el impacto economico que los inmigrantes estan teniendo en cualquier lugar, creo que hay pocos articulos o documentales que exploren el maltrato contra los inmigrantes desde un punto de vista psicologico. seria interesante escuchar de distintos expertos por que los humanos tenemos una tendencia a rechazar lo diferente y ver como estos prejuicios son creados por nuestro entorno y reforzado por todo lo que nos rodea.
aca va un link gracioso sobre el rechazo de los españoletes flipados contra los marroquies (o cualquiera que tenga facciones de ese tipo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTYWwbGFI9U
aca va un link gracioso sobre el rechazo de los españoletes flipados contra los marroquies (o cualquiera que tenga facciones de ese tipo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTYWwbGFI9U
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Choices to make on immigration policy
Here's a link to a story that talks about how immigrants are or aren't blending into society.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/05/19/choices_to_make_on_immigration_policy/
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/05/19/choices_to_make_on_immigration_policy/
Thoughts on E.J.
It has been some time since we have finished reading Enrique’s Journey, but the book and story are still on my mind. This semester, I have read by far the most non-fiction books I've ever had to read before in one semester. They say you find yourself in college. I didn't find myself, or learn a lot about myself till this semester. My last semester.
I think the reason why E.J. still is lingering in my thoughts is because it made me more aware. It made me more aware of what is going on, what has been going on for many years with people migrating here from Central America.
Growing up, I always knew someone who had come from a different country. They were mostly Filipinos who came here by plane. Their experiences although can be similar to other immigrants, do not compare to those who travel from south of the U.S. north. The journey is very different and as E.J. shows, dangerous.
When reading the book, I visualized Enrique as a boy making a man's journey. The truth was he was made a man because of it. His story gave me great insight into something I knew little about. Now when I talk to people who have crossed the border, I find that they all share similar stories. They talk of the coyotes, and the lengths they took to get here. They show a drive that is unique to them. They risked their lives in hope of making it to a country that doesn't welcome them with open arms. Yet with the border patrol on constant watch, it does not deter the great flocks of immigrants making the cross.
Partly because of reading E.J. I have found that I want to write about what matters. I have a clearer picture of what kind of journalism I want to practice.
I think the reason why E.J. still is lingering in my thoughts is because it made me more aware. It made me more aware of what is going on, what has been going on for many years with people migrating here from Central America.
Growing up, I always knew someone who had come from a different country. They were mostly Filipinos who came here by plane. Their experiences although can be similar to other immigrants, do not compare to those who travel from south of the U.S. north. The journey is very different and as E.J. shows, dangerous.
When reading the book, I visualized Enrique as a boy making a man's journey. The truth was he was made a man because of it. His story gave me great insight into something I knew little about. Now when I talk to people who have crossed the border, I find that they all share similar stories. They talk of the coyotes, and the lengths they took to get here. They show a drive that is unique to them. They risked their lives in hope of making it to a country that doesn't welcome them with open arms. Yet with the border patrol on constant watch, it does not deter the great flocks of immigrants making the cross.
Partly because of reading E.J. I have found that I want to write about what matters. I have a clearer picture of what kind of journalism I want to practice.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I must admit, my perception on Mexican immigration has opened up significantly after reading the selected books for the semester. Though, the one book that really opened up my eyes to the subject was "Antonios' gun and Delfino's Dream," which happened to be the book I presented on. I remember on the first day of class, reading the title of my book in the class syllabus and thinking to myself "This book does not sound interesting at all." I must admit, I envied Tim and Mariana for getting "Enrique's Journey." But as I started reading "Antonios' Gun and Delfino's Dream," my perception changed. And of course, it turned out to be my favorite book. Why? Well most of all, I felt that Sam Quinones touched on a subject that is rarely explained when talking about Mexican immigration: politics. I don't think many people realize that a lot of immigrants leave Mexico because their government had no help or hope for them. The PRI conquered with an iron fist, only benefiting the rich and powerful. What's unique is the idea that these immigrants chose to depart from their own government. Besides wanting better opportunities, such as a better job, the idea of leaving a government that was not democratic is overlooked. Significantly, immigrants were able to become a part of our political system, such as the Tomato King. Although the PRI no longer rules Mexico, the question of which government is more accepting (between the U.S. and Mexico) of immigrants comes to mind. The idea of which country gives more freedom is a good question to analyze. I believe the media overlooks the concept of freedom, what types of freedom immigrants have in the U.S. compared to Mexico would be a great factor for the media to look upon. Although it is already clearly stated, the subject itself could be easily examined more in depth.
Below is a link to an article from the Militant newspaper, a socialist publication published weekly. It is dated from July 17, 2000 and talks about the PRI loosing Mexico's vote for the first time in 71 years.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The dark side of Enrique's Journey
By Tim Willert
Let's face it, there is much about Enrique's Journey that is inspirational, starting with Enrique's will to survive in the face of life-threatening danger, and the overwhelming desire to find his mother despite numerous setbacks. Then there are the good Samaritans (Olga, Padre Leo, the strangers who run alongside the trains with handouts) who provide food and clothing and shelter and hope to those who are making their journey or have had theirs cut short by injury.
But there is a dark side to Enrique's Journey, one that should be brought to the light, but probably won't. The gangsters, or bandits, who rob and beat Enrique and others like him seeking passage from South America to the United States should be brought to justice, but never will be because law enforcement is just as dirty and unconscionable.
Together, police and immigration officers along with bandits prey on those who can barely defend themselves and have little or nothing to give in the way of money for bribes. They are helpless, and are taken advantage of by vultures who shoot and stab and beat defenseless young boys and rape girls and women because they can and there are no consequences because those who are supposed to be protecting the victims are also taking advantage of them.
Perhaps I'm being a bit idealistic here, but the media has an obligation to report this kind of abuse, regardless if the victims are illegal aliens or not. This is a human rights issue and deserves the media's full attention. Whether or not it would do any good is another story, perhaps it's been done and nobody cares enough to do anything about it because we're talking about immigrants who are in the country illegally (whether Mexico or the U.S.).
Here is a link to a story about this very issue -- immigrants being robbed by bndits. More stories like this fleshed out into a feature story with lots of pictures for, say, a Sunday magazine story, might go a long way in raising awareness.
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-166158866.html
Those who prey on defenseless children should be exposed for who they are: criminals. I know, they make the world go 'round, much like cockroaches and gang-bangers in our country. They'll be around as long as they serve a purpose.
What's interesting about Enrique's Journey is that it's a story of good and bad; one is always in direct conflict with the other. You have the spiritual on one side (Olga, Father Leo, good Samaritans), who want the best for their fellow man and are full of love and compassion, and the the non-spiritual (bandits, migra, policia) who don't protect and serve, but violate the dignity and the rights of others, which is non-spiritual and hateful and will be reconciled with consequences, maybe sooner, maybe later.
Let's face it, there is much about Enrique's Journey that is inspirational, starting with Enrique's will to survive in the face of life-threatening danger, and the overwhelming desire to find his mother despite numerous setbacks. Then there are the good Samaritans (Olga, Padre Leo, the strangers who run alongside the trains with handouts) who provide food and clothing and shelter and hope to those who are making their journey or have had theirs cut short by injury.
But there is a dark side to Enrique's Journey, one that should be brought to the light, but probably won't. The gangsters, or bandits, who rob and beat Enrique and others like him seeking passage from South America to the United States should be brought to justice, but never will be because law enforcement is just as dirty and unconscionable.
Together, police and immigration officers along with bandits prey on those who can barely defend themselves and have little or nothing to give in the way of money for bribes. They are helpless, and are taken advantage of by vultures who shoot and stab and beat defenseless young boys and rape girls and women because they can and there are no consequences because those who are supposed to be protecting the victims are also taking advantage of them.
Perhaps I'm being a bit idealistic here, but the media has an obligation to report this kind of abuse, regardless if the victims are illegal aliens or not. This is a human rights issue and deserves the media's full attention. Whether or not it would do any good is another story, perhaps it's been done and nobody cares enough to do anything about it because we're talking about immigrants who are in the country illegally (whether Mexico or the U.S.).
Here is a link to a story about this very issue -- immigrants being robbed by bndits. More stories like this fleshed out into a feature story with lots of pictures for, say, a Sunday magazine story, might go a long way in raising awareness.
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-166158866.html
Those who prey on defenseless children should be exposed for who they are: criminals. I know, they make the world go 'round, much like cockroaches and gang-bangers in our country. They'll be around as long as they serve a purpose.
What's interesting about Enrique's Journey is that it's a story of good and bad; one is always in direct conflict with the other. You have the spiritual on one side (Olga, Father Leo, good Samaritans), who want the best for their fellow man and are full of love and compassion, and the the non-spiritual (bandits, migra, policia) who don't protect and serve, but violate the dignity and the rights of others, which is non-spiritual and hateful and will be reconciled with consequences, maybe sooner, maybe later.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Giving back via Enrique's Journey
By Tim Willert
In my first blog entry about Enrique's Journey, I focused on Olga Sanchez Martinez, the woman who spends her own money on blood and medicine for wounded migrants and tirelessly spreads hope and faith among those who have none. While Olga's contributions and those of Padre Leo -- who goes out of his way to feed and shelter migrants during their journey -- cannot be overlooked, I believe those good Samaritans who give the immigrants food and water and clothing along their journey are equally as important to their safe and successful passage.
As I've said before, I think most Americans could care less about the plight of immigrants, and most are too selfish to care about helping those less fortunate, especially illegal immigrants. This attitude directly contrasts the one shared by the people Enrique encounters during his journey through Mexico who are poor, but share a greater sense of compassion and spirituality than most Americans I know.
These are people who, pardon the expression, "don't have a pot to piss in," but who, like Olga and Padre Leo, share a faith in God and serving others for salvation. This is a powerful message: that love and service will always be more powerful than hate and selfishness and prejudice.
In fact, many people have been inspired to take action after reading Enrique's Journey. A school from my hometown, La Jolla Country Day School, launched a campaign to raise money for Guatemalan women. Additionally, Isabel Allende Foundation helped Olga Sanchez build a bakery to generate income for a migrant shelter.
While there are too many projects to mention here, I think an interesting angle for media coverage should be the people who run from their homes to the trains with care packages that can mean the difference between life and death for migrants who go days without food while trying to negotiate dangerous train tops and box cars. These young men rely, almost depend on these good deeds for their survival -- without the scraps of food and clothing, their journeys would probably go unfinished.
And these gifts aren't coming from rich people with plenty of disposable income, they're coming from poor people who are rich in faith and compassion, who don't care where these people are coming from or where they're going, just that the immigrants are trying to make a better life for themselves.
In my first blog entry about Enrique's Journey, I focused on Olga Sanchez Martinez, the woman who spends her own money on blood and medicine for wounded migrants and tirelessly spreads hope and faith among those who have none. While Olga's contributions and those of Padre Leo -- who goes out of his way to feed and shelter migrants during their journey -- cannot be overlooked, I believe those good Samaritans who give the immigrants food and water and clothing along their journey are equally as important to their safe and successful passage.
As I've said before, I think most Americans could care less about the plight of immigrants, and most are too selfish to care about helping those less fortunate, especially illegal immigrants. This attitude directly contrasts the one shared by the people Enrique encounters during his journey through Mexico who are poor, but share a greater sense of compassion and spirituality than most Americans I know.
These are people who, pardon the expression, "don't have a pot to piss in," but who, like Olga and Padre Leo, share a faith in God and serving others for salvation. This is a powerful message: that love and service will always be more powerful than hate and selfishness and prejudice.
In fact, many people have been inspired to take action after reading Enrique's Journey. A school from my hometown, La Jolla Country Day School, launched a campaign to raise money for Guatemalan women. Additionally, Isabel Allende Foundation helped Olga Sanchez build a bakery to generate income for a migrant shelter.
While there are too many projects to mention here, I think an interesting angle for media coverage should be the people who run from their homes to the trains with care packages that can mean the difference between life and death for migrants who go days without food while trying to negotiate dangerous train tops and box cars. These young men rely, almost depend on these good deeds for their survival -- without the scraps of food and clothing, their journeys would probably go unfinished.
And these gifts aren't coming from rich people with plenty of disposable income, they're coming from poor people who are rich in faith and compassion, who don't care where these people are coming from or where they're going, just that the immigrants are trying to make a better life for themselves.
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