Response 5
“(Un)documented immigrant media makers and the search for connection online” by Sarah C. Bishop
In “(Un)documented immigrant media makers and the search for connection online,” by Sarah C. Bishop, a group of undocumented activists and media makers come together to tell their side of the story. This project was created to show that even though they are undocumented, they are not perpetrators. Simply, they are trying to make a life in this foreign country without the unfair treatment that comes with it.
The immigrants featured in this project have found their home on the Internet and have decided to reveal their identities “regarding their immigration status by writing, photographing, filming, producing, and promoting their narratives for public audiences.” According to some, coming out on the Internet makes the situation less frightening due to the “perceived privacy” and the “anonymity” that the Internet provides them. In particular, Freddy, an immigrant, is immensely motivated to reveal himself online because of the large population of Internet users that can see his article. He is not afraid to tell the world that he is undocumented, instead, he is eager for all to know. For many, coming out online has been a blessing for them. They have lifted a huge burden from their shoulders by uncovering a part of their identity that they have kept hidden. In an interview, Pang told the author, “I felt more like an actual person, whereas before, really half of a person because I felt like people didn’t really know who I really was.” Some people, including Pang, have kept their immigration status hidden for such a long time that coming out was scary, but also extremely relieving.
Before the undocumented immigrants gained the urge to share their story and reveal their identity, many undocumented immigrants were not themselves. They felt the need to assimilate to the culture that the United States already had and to act similarly to everyone already here. This is shown by the “desire to fit in” and not come out. Additionally, the assimilation can be reinforced by the racial prejudice that is “directed toward undocumented immigrants.” Sonia, an undocumented immigrant also said, “We’re never really humanized as people, we’re more like a product.” To prevent the stigmas that are directed towards them, many of the immigrants try to be like everyone else and try to find the sense of belonging that they desire. However, after many years of trying to assimilate and of putting up this false façade, they have decided to come out and stand up for their identity, which is shown by the project that was created.
Questions:
- Who decides what people assimilate to?
- Why would undocumented immigrants reveal their identity if they know that there is still some danger when coming out on the Internet?
