Brown Girl, Brownstones – Books 3 & 4
In Book 3, Silla becomes fixated on selling Deighton’s land and vows to do so. Although she plans to sell the land behind Deighton’s back, Silla’s decision seems somewhat justified. Many of the Bajans around her are buying houses, which is frustrating because Silla is working grueling hours to raise the money for a house. At the same time, Deighton is unmotivated and isn’t contributing nearly as much as Silla. He is holding on to the fantasy of a luxurious home in Barbados, while Silla is struggling to lay roots for the family in New York.
However, when it is finally revealed to Deighton that Silla has sold the land, she appears delighted to have taken revenge on Deighton and laughs maniacally. It seems as though she sold the land more for the vengeful satisfaction, rather than for the betterment of her family.
Deighton gets revenge on Silla by spending the entire $900 on gifts for his family and himself. Deighton’s actions were just as despicable and Silla’s. This money could have bought a house for his family. This was a common goal amongst the entire community. To buy a house was to establish oneself and lay roots in America. This is what Silla was exhausting herself for. Deighton had the money, but spent it all to spite Silla. Whether or not Silla deserved it, I sympathized with her as she repeatedly smashed the golden trumpet into the ground.
Towards the very end of the novel, Selina’s interaction with Margaret’s mother influences her decision to travel to Barbados. In dance, Selina escaped the label of race and was confident in herself. However, when she visits the house, Margaret’s mother subtly degrades Selina’s confidence to let Selina know that she did not belong. Margaret’s mother’s appearance is similar to that of a ghost, drawing a parallel between her and the ghosts that young Selina sensed in the brownstone. Once more Selina’s identity is challenged, and she realizes that she cannot escape the inherent Bajan part of her. Selina decides that she must travel to Barbados and discover her identity.
From Immigrant to Transmigrant: Theorizing Transnational Migration
A transmigrant is an immigrant who becomes politically, economically, and socially interactive within their residing country, yet still maintains strong ties to their homeland. The significance of the transmigrant lies in understanding how these simultaneous ties influence their motivations and actions; also, in how this contributes to increasing globalization, and the changing significance of national borders.
It is interesting to consider that all discussion on immigration in the U.S. stems from the idea of an American nationality. Immigrants are expected to become fully rooted in the U.S., but can still maintain culture, customs, beliefs. However, they are not supposed to retain loyalties to their homelands. These ideas have been considered since the inception of the United States and are still relevant as the number of immigrants maintaining ties with their homelands is increasing.
This increase in transnationalism is partially influenced by advances in technology. The ease of transportation and the invention of the internet are arguably the most major contributors. With webcam communication, immigrants can easily make face-to-face contact with families back home. Maintaining ties with the homeland has become significantly easier.
Returning back to American nationality. Hegemonic forces in the U.S. have focused their efforts on undocumented immigrants. Not only do they seek to reduce the flow of immigration, but separating this group helps identify who is not loyal to the U.S. Even many documented immigrants are against the undocumented. It helps the documented establish that they have put in a lot of work and belong to the U.S. This also stems from the idea of the U.S. as a nation-state. Transmigrants have loyalties to multiple nation-states. They also tend to try and recreate their politics and cultures in their residing countries.
It is interesting to observe what effect transnationalism will have in the coming years. As the significance of borders changes, the direct connection between nation-states and territory decreases, and globalization increases, we may continue to explore a national identity.
