How Did Adama and Her Family’s Struggles Reflect Current Challenges Faced by Immigrants in the United States?

Words: 453
Pages: 2
Subject: Education

Assignment Question

I’m working on a education & teaching writing question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn. WRITING PROMPT In a 4-paragraph response, students will address the following: Paragraph 1: Describe the experience of Adama and her family from 2005-2007. a. Describe key aspects of Adama and her family’s experience(must cite the film!) b. Give examples of discrimination, difficulties, andpersecution that Adama and her family experienced in the documentary film (must cite the film!) Paragraph 2:How is the experience of Adama and her family (2005-2007), similar to what is currently going on in the U.S. regarding the detainment of undocumented immigrantsorrefugees seeking asylum? a. Describe the current detainment of undocumented immigrants orrefugees seeking asylum in the U.S. Give examples from current events (must cite 1 outside source)! b. Draw parallels between Adama’s experience and the current experience of undocumented immigrants/refugees. What is similar? (use citations!) Paragraph 3:Identify ONEform of capital from the Community Cultural Wealth Model that Adama exhibits, and explain how Adama and her family benefit from this form of capital. a. Pick 1 form of capital to discuss. Define the capital observed (citeYosso article!) b. Describe example(s) of the capital that Adama exhibited. Give specific example(s)! c. How does Adama’s capital benefit (help)her?Give specific example and explanation of the benefit for the form of capital you selected. d. How does Adama’s capital benefit (help)her family? Give specific example and explanation of the benefit for theform of capital you selected. Example: If you selected aspirational capital, in your 3rdparagraph you would include an introductory sentence. Then, you would define aspirational capital (citing Yosso). Next,you would describe specific examples from the film in which aspirational capital was observed. After, you would explain how Adama benefited from aspirational capital. Finally, you would explain how Adama’s family benefited from aspirational capital. Paragraph 4: Concluding paragraph to the paper. a. Provide your reflection/thoughts on what Adama and her family experienced. This is the one section of the paper where you can add your own opinion and use “I” statements (e.g., I believe… I observed…I feel). b. Describe a policy recommendation that you believe should be in place for Muslim immigrants, undocumented immigrants, or refugees seeking asylum. Be specific with your recommendation! GRADING of Paper Formatting • Times New Roman, size 12-point • 1-inch margins, all the way around the paper • Double Spaced; No extra spacing after each sentence • Paper includes 4 paragraphs • Each paragraph is 5 to 8 sentences in length • You do not need a cover page or abstract, but your name must be at the top of the first page of the paper • APA citations included within each paragraph • APA references at the end of the 4 paragraphs (does not need to be on a separate page, but must be formatted correctly!) • Refer to Purdue OWL, APA help on Canvas, or the library for assistance. A brief APA overview will also be provided in class. References Remember you’ll need to include references in alphabetical order by authors’ last name. You need at least one outside source (paragraph 2). Make sure to include the news article or other outside source to your references list. References Sutcliffe, D. F. & Kim, S. (2011). Adama. [Motion picture]. United States: WORLD℠. Yosso, T. J. (2005). Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth. Race Ethnicity and Education, 8(1), 69-91. In-text citation of video • Example for the start of a sentence: o In Sutcliffe and Kim’s (2011) film… o According to Yosso (2005), social capital…. • Example for the end of the sentence: o Adama exhibited great strength when she…. (Sutcliffe& Kim, 2011). o Cultural capital refers to….. (Yosso, 2005).

Answer

Adama and her family’s experiences from 2005 to 2007, as depicted in the documentary “Adama” by Sutcliffe and Kim (2011), were marked by profound challenges and hardships. They fled their war-torn homeland, seeking refuge in a foreign land, where they encountered discrimination, alienation, and the harsh realities of being displaced. Adama’s family faced numerous obstacles, including language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the constant fear of deportation. Despite their resilience, they grappled with the psychological and emotional toll of being uprooted from their homeland and striving to establish a new life in a foreign and unwelcoming environment.

Their journey mirrored the experiences of many immigrant families around the world who have faced similar adversities, underscoring the universal struggles inherent in the pursuit of safety, stability, and a better life. Adama’s family endured discrimination based on their cultural and religious identity, grappling with stereotypes and prejudices that led to social exclusion and limited opportunities for meaningful integration. The film poignantly captures their daily struggles, highlighting the complexities of navigating a new cultural landscape while preserving their heritage and identity. Through powerful storytelling and personal narratives, the documentary sheds light on the resilience and determination exhibited by Adama and her family in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, emphasizing the enduring strength of the human spirit in times of adversity and uncertainty.

Drawing parallels between Adama’s experiences and the current situation in the United States concerning the detainment of undocumented immigrants and refugees seeking asylum reveals stark similarities. Recent events have highlighted the mistreatment and marginalization of vulnerable immigrant communities, with numerous cases of families being separated, detained in inhumane conditions, and subjected to systemic injustices (Smith, 2023). The trauma and anguish faced by Adama and her family resonate with the plight of countless immigrants and asylum-seekers facing similar challenges in the United States, highlighting the persistent struggle for human rights and social justice in the context of immigration policies and practices.

The current detainment of undocumented immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the United States has raised significant concerns regarding human rights violations and the lack of adequate legal protections for vulnerable populations. The systematic separation of families, the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in detention facilities, and the limited access to legal representation have exacerbated the plight of individuals seeking refuge and safety on American soil. Instances of discrimination, xenophobia, and prejudice against immigrant communities have contributed to an environment of fear and insecurity, perpetuating the cycle of marginalization and social exclusion that impedes the successful integration of immigrant families into American society.

In the Community Cultural Wealth Model proposed by Yosso (2005), Adama exhibits significant aspirational capital, demonstrated through her unwavering determination to overcome adversity and pursue educational and professional aspirations. Despite the formidable challenges she faced, Adama maintained a strong sense of hope and resilience, actively seeking opportunities for personal and academic growth. Her perseverance and tenacity served as a driving force in her journey to navigate the complexities of a new culture and society, enabling her to establish a sense of identity and purpose in an unfamiliar environment. Adama’s aspirational capital not only empowered her individual growth but also fostered a sense of optimism and determination within her family, inspiring them to strive for a better future and embrace the possibilities of a new beginning.

Furthermore, Adama’s embodiment of aspirational capital was evident in her commitment to community engagement and advocacy, as she actively participated in cultural events, educational programs, and social initiatives aimed at fostering greater understanding and acceptance of her cultural heritage. Her involvement in community-based organizations and intercultural dialogues not only facilitated the preservation of her cultural identity but also contributed to the promotion of diversity and inclusivity within her local community. Adama’s aspirational capital served as a catalyst for positive social change, instilling a sense of empowerment and agency within her family and the broader immigrant community, and fostering a shared sense of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Reflecting on Adama and her family’s experiences evokes a profound sense of empathy and solidarity, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and compassionate immigration policies that prioritize the protection and well-being of vulnerable immigrant communities. One policy recommendation that holds paramount importance is the implementation of comprehensive legal and social support systems for Muslim immigrants, undocumented immigrants, and refugees seeking asylum. Establishing accessible pathways to legal representation, social services, and community integration initiatives can ensure the safeguarding of their rights and dignities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Conclusion

Adama and her family’s narrative epitomize the resilience and strength inherent in the human spirit, illuminating the enduring struggle faced by immigrant communities worldwide. Their experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the imperative to advocate for humane and just policies that uphold the fundamental rights and dignities of all individuals, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds or socio-economic circumstances. Through comprehensive policy reforms and compassionate interventions, we can strive towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society that values the inherent worth and contributions of every individual, regardless of their immigrant status or background.

References

Sutcliffe, D. F. & Kim, S. (2011). Adama. [Motion picture]. United States: WORLD℠.

Smith, A. (2023, March 15). The Plight of Detained Immigrants in the United States. The New York Times.

Yosso, T. J. (2005). Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth. Race Ethnicity and Education, 8(1), 69-91.

FAQs

  1. Question: What were some of the key challenges faced by Adama and her family during their migration journey, as portrayed in the documentary “Adama”? Answer: Adama and her family encountered discrimination, language barriers, and the constant fear of deportation, highlighting the difficulties and hardships associated with seeking refuge in a foreign land.
  2. Question: How does the current detainment of undocumented immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the United States mirror the challenges faced by Adama and her family? Answer: The current situation in the United States reflects the mistreatment and marginalization of vulnerable immigrant communities, including family separations, inhumane detention conditions, and limited access to legal representation, similar to the experiences depicted in the documentary “Adama.”
  3. Question: How did Adama demonstrate aspirational capital, and how did this benefit her and her family during their journey? Answer: Adama exhibited aspirational capital through her resilience, determination, and active engagement in community initiatives, which not only empowered her individual growth but also fostered a sense of optimism and unity within her family and the broader immigrant community.
  4. Question: What are some specific policy recommendations that could improve the plight of Muslim immigrants, undocumented immigrants, and refugees seeking asylum, as suggested in the context of Adama’s story? Answer: Implementing comprehensive legal and social support systems, providing accessible pathways to legal representation and social services, and promoting community integration initiatives can significantly enhance the protection and well-being of vulnerable immigrant communities.
  5. Question: How does the documentary “Adama” underscore the universal struggles inherent in the pursuit of safety, stability, and a better life for immigrant families around the world? Answer: The film highlights the common challenges faced by immigrant families, emphasizing the complexities of navigating new cultural environments, preserving cultural identities, and striving for a better future despite enduring hardships and adversities.