Hard to believe - in this day and age - but it is something to pay attention to:
UC Berkeley is reporting that hate crimes are up - including religious bias - such as swastikas etched around campus on dorm room doors, in restooms and in a study lounge.
The school has a diversity research center whose aim is to study and promote remedies for hate like this and against race, gender, sexual orientation, disability and socioeconomic status and it already has its plate full.
It's 2011 - dawning on 2012 and progress in acceptance has yet to be achieved in this country- home of the brave, land of the free, for justice and liberty for all.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Young Indian-American Runs for Congress
I was recently told by an interviewee for my book project that his parents believed that serving in politics was for "other" people. Well, that's changing big time ofr chilren of immigrants who are growing up in America. Here's one case in point:
A 24-year old child of immigrants is running for Congress. Ranjit Gill is a law student at Berkeley and he's running for the ninth congressional seat. He's already raised close to half a million dollars. Among the languages Gill speaks are English and Spanish. He's told reporters that he's uniquely suited to represent the non-white population, which makes up mroe than half the district.
He says during his campaign and after, he's able to speak people's languages on different levels.
America is changing and its politics are, too.
A 24-year old child of immigrants is running for Congress. Ranjit Gill is a law student at Berkeley and he's running for the ninth congressional seat. He's already raised close to half a million dollars. Among the languages Gill speaks are English and Spanish. He's told reporters that he's uniquely suited to represent the non-white population, which makes up mroe than half the district.
He says during his campaign and after, he's able to speak people's languages on different levels.
America is changing and its politics are, too.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
I love the show SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. So many contestants are children of immigrants. Take Tadd, for example, who just said his parents came to this country to make a better life for their children.
The positive attitude, pride, and of course, the dancing, all make for a great show and an American experience.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
A Mix of Countries, Cultures, and Religion
I just finished interviewing Mufadall Ezzy, the son of parents from Mumbai, India and a self-described middle school rabble rouser. Who would have predicted that he would end up working for one of the most powerful people in Callifornia's state government?
Ezzy is among the most fascinating people I have interviewed for my upcoming book about people who grew up in the United States as children of immigrants. Born in the San Franciso Bay area, he is articulate, opinionated, and self-effacing. "I was born in 1980," he writes in an email. "Ronald Reagan. Cold War. Spy movies. Michael Jackson. Tars for Fears. Growing Pains. Family Ties. Perfect Strangers. The young and most spoiled of three. The most socially and politcally savvy and the least book smart of the kids. The most extroverted, risque, and willing to push the envelope on fundamental attitudes and customs."
With words like that, who would have known that Ezzy would go from being a middle school student kicked out of high school to become an upstanding citizen with a deep commitment to his families' cultural traditions and Muslim faith?
Ezzy is among the most fascinating people I have interviewed for my upcoming book about people who grew up in the United States as children of immigrants. Born in the San Franciso Bay area, he is articulate, opinionated, and self-effacing. "I was born in 1980," he writes in an email. "Ronald Reagan. Cold War. Spy movies. Michael Jackson. Tars for Fears. Growing Pains. Family Ties. Perfect Strangers. The young and most spoiled of three. The most socially and politcally savvy and the least book smart of the kids. The most extroverted, risque, and willing to push the envelope on fundamental attitudes and customs."
With words like that, who would have known that Ezzy would go from being a middle school student kicked out of high school to become an upstanding citizen with a deep commitment to his families' cultural traditions and Muslim faith?
Friday, July 1, 2011
Neil Diamond's Father is an Immigrant
It's fascinating to see how stars inspire people! Google "Neil Diamond Talks about his Parents" and you'll find information about his growing up in the Flatbush section of New York including a term paper.
Diamond's songs reflect his roots. One stanza from They're Coming to America..."On the boats and on the planes, they're coming to America. Never looking back again, they're coming to America..."
It's clear that Diamond's father's sacrifices were not lost on his son.
Diamond's songs reflect his roots. One stanza from They're Coming to America..."On the boats and on the planes, they're coming to America. Never looking back again, they're coming to America..."
It's clear that Diamond's father's sacrifices were not lost on his son.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Audio Stories About Children of Immigrants
If you’d like to listen to some interesting perspectives on being children of immigrants in the United States, click here and see what you think:
http://www.npr.org/series/102615844/immigrants-children-a-foot-in-two-worlds
http://www.npr.org/series/102615844/immigrants-children-a-foot-in-two-worlds
Monday, June 27, 2011
Selena Gomez Is a Child of Immigrants
Selena Gomez Is a Child of Immigrants
Selena Gomez, an actress, singer, and entrepreneur is 18 years old and a regular headline grabber. Currently dating singing sensation Justin Bieber, Gomez is best known for her role as Alez Russo in the Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly, Gomez has an Italian mother and her Mexican father.
Gomez grew up in Grand Prarie, Texas and told Twist magazine that she wished that she could blend in with the blond girls she knew. “I wanted to be like my friends. I hung out with girls who had blue eyes and blond hair,” she said.
She credits her heritage, however, for helping her land jobs in Hollywood. "When I went to auditions, I'd be in a room with a lot of blond girls, and I always stood out. It actually helped…II realize everybody wants what they don't have. But at the end of the day, what you have inside is much more beautiful than what's on the outside!"
If you read some of the comments following the article on this web link, you will see how some others feel about growing up with parents from other countries: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/20518292.html?thread=2443157140#ixzz1QVtLdzTV
Selena Gomez, an actress, singer, and entrepreneur is 18 years old and a regular headline grabber. Currently dating singing sensation Justin Bieber, Gomez is best known for her role as Alez Russo in the Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly, Gomez has an Italian mother and her Mexican father.
Gomez grew up in Grand Prarie, Texas and told Twist magazine that she wished that she could blend in with the blond girls she knew. “I wanted to be like my friends. I hung out with girls who had blue eyes and blond hair,” she said.
She credits her heritage, however, for helping her land jobs in Hollywood. "When I went to auditions, I'd be in a room with a lot of blond girls, and I always stood out. It actually helped…II realize everybody wants what they don't have. But at the end of the day, what you have inside is much more beautiful than what's on the outside!"
If you read some of the comments following the article on this web link, you will see how some others feel about growing up with parents from other countries: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/20518292.html?thread=2443157140#ixzz1QVtLdzTV
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