What are the advantages of immigration for the US?
Cheap labor, highly qualified workforce, new cultures
What are the disadvantages of immigration for the US?
Less jobs, cultural clashes, have to support financially, fear and discrimination
What are the advantages of immigration for the immigrants?
Hopes for a better life, American dream, jobs with better wages, safer life
What are the disadvantages of immigration for the immigrants?
Hatred and racism, uncertainty because of required documents
Forced immigration due to war, etc.
When did immigration start?
Colonial period (1607-1776)
- 1607: British settlers founded the first permanent settlement in the New World -->
Jamestown (after King James I.)
- 1620: Plymouth colony was founded hundreds of kilometers north of Jamestown by British
Puritans, came (with the mayflower) to be known as the Pilgrim Fathers, were looking for a place where they could worship without interference by society or the government.
(It is a common belief that they had their first harvest supper in the autumn of 1621 to celebrate the first Thanksgiving Day.)
What’s the “old immigration”?
Old immigration (1790-1890)
- Most immigrants from Northern and Western Europe (predominantly Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia)
- 1880s: number of immigrants reached a peak with more than 400,000 immigrants arriving in the US annually
- Reasons: economic conditions in Europe were difficult & social mobility was limited
- US: cheap land and jobs in prospering industries
- introduction of steam-powered ships in 1870s made voyage cheaper & faster
- the more immigrants settled, the easier it was for their relatives and friends to immigrate
What’s the “new immigration”?
New Immigration (1890-1930)
- Number of immigrants from Northern and Western Europe declined due to economic
improvements in these countries
- immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe arrived in great numbers until 1930
- most of them settled in big cities, kept their language and traditions, and worked in industry.
What is the American dream?
- No universal definition, varies for each American
- Dream of being able to live the best possible life, reaching everything you are able to and be recognized for what you are “rags to riches” - Coined by James Truslow Adams
- Requirements are that the top of society devotes themselves to the Great society
- The bottom needs to become better
- Everyone is part of it and must work together
- You shouldn't give in to selfishness, comfort etc.
What are the four Pillars of the American Dream?
Puritanism, Manifest Destiny, Frontier Spirit and the Declaration of Independence
Describe Puritanism
English Protestants who wanted to establish a Protestant society under strict Calvinist ideas
- opportunities to live out their own biblical ideas
- Individual responsibility: being hard-working & ambitious
- Wanted to create a “city upon a hill” (John Winthrop, 1630) --> a role model people would look up to as an example
Describe the concept of “manifest destiny”
- Belief in the 19th century that the expansion of the US was both justified and inevitable
- Spirit of nationalism, especially after Independance was won and the war ended in 1812
- At it’s core: belief in American cultural and racial superiority, Native Americans considered inferior
- Americans thought they could save people christianizing the tribes, belief it was their obligation to enlighten primitive nations
What is the so called “frontier spirit?”
- Continuous westward movement, constant geographical changing of the frontier
- Life on the frontier developed a “frontier spirit”: independence from any restrictions of
civilisation, life under hard conditions, continuous struggle for survival
- Self reliance, use of physical violence may have had an unfortunate effect on American
society --> e.g. guns still popular
What do you know about the Declaration of Independence?
- July 4th, 1776
- Drafted by Thomas Jefferson,
- New form of government: separation of powers
- Independence from GB
- New values: “all men are created equal”, “unalienable Rights, (...) among these are Life,Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
What do you know about gun control?
→ Restriction of possession and use of guns by law
→ The US is among the highest in both firearm ownership and homocide rate
→ 79% of all homocides in the US are related to gun violence
→ 120 guns per 100 people in the US
What does the second amendment grant?
The 2nd amendment grants: “a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed” (1791)
What are pro gun control arguments?
Pro gun control
• The 2nd amendment was targeted towards militia rather than individuals
• 2nd amendment is outdated (1791)
• Less suicides
• Less accidents
• Less mass shootings committed by
mentally disturbed people
• Guns rarely used for self-defense, their
presence makes conflicts more likely to
be used
• Gun violence normalized
What are arguments against gun control?
• 2nd amendment --> invasion of privacy
• Self defense, sense of safety
• People are going to break laws, no
reduction of gun crime rate
• Banning guns creates a larger black
market for illegal firearms
• Gun education instead of banning
• Restriction unfair to peaceful use of
guns
Benefits of social media
-connecting world wide
-staying in touch
-expressing yourself on a platform
-immediate information
-entertainment
Risks of social media
-manipulation
-cyber bullying
-anonymousity
-fake news
-fake reality/perfection
-”forever” on the internet
-hacking -> personal data
-rumors
-disconnecting from reality
-addiction
when was bbc formed?
1922
launch of time magazine
1923
Launch of Wikipedia
2001
Launch of Facebook
2004
When was the first cell phone invented?
1973
When was the first email sent?
1971
changing of the media
-beginning of the 21st century
-rise of digital technologies
-crowdsourcing
-dangers: lack of control regardiny copyright
Advertising
-product placement
-viral marketing
-advertisers advertise products
what can influence your sense of belonging?
-friendships
-family
-religion
-culture
what is ambiguity?
something that has various meanings
What does belonging mean?
To be part of something (feel comfortable)
What ist the meaning of the sense of belonging?
finding your place in your life and the people to be with
what is identity made up upon?
identity ist made up upon social surroundings, nationality, ethnicity, preferences, freedom of choice, education, mindset, experiences, success/accomplishments
What do you know about the Movie Gran Torino?
Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the film.
when was crooked letter crooked letter published?
5th october 2010 by tom franklin
Summarise the movie Gran Torino shortly
Retired auto worker and Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) fills emptiness in his life with beer and home repair (his wife dies at the beginning of the movie), despising the many Asian, Latino and black families in his neighborhood. Walt becomes a reluctant hero when he stands up to the gangbangers who tried to force an Asian teen (Thao) to steal Walt's treasured car. An unlikely friendship develops between Walt and the teen, as he learns he has more in common with his neighbors than he thought.
Summary of Crooked Letter Crooked Letter
The novel follows Silas Jones, a black constable in a small town in Mississippi, and Larry Ott, the white suspect in a decades-old, unsolved murder. Silas and Larry grew up alongside each other and developed a tentative friendship that the two grown men explore through flashbacks. When another teenaged girl goes missing and Larry becomes the prime suspect, Silas and Larry must confront the unresolved issues of their past.
What does healthcare in the US look like for immigrants? (Problems)
Immigrants make up a significant part of the nation's workforce and families yet face increased barriers to accessing health coverage and care. While citizens account for the majority of the nonelderly uninsured population, noncitizens are much more likely than citizens to be uninsured.
Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for federal health coverage or access to the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.
While slightly more than half of U.S. families obtain health insurance via their employer, many immigrants are segregated into jobs and industries that are less likely to offer employer-sponsored coverage.
Moreover, immigrant workers are also more likely to have lower incomes and are often priced out of insurance.
what is credit score in the USA?
A credit score is a number that provides a comparative estimate of an individual's creditworthiness based on an analysis of their credit report. It is an inexpensive and main alternative to other forms of consumer loan underwriting.
The biggest problems immigrants have to face today
Language Barriers. ...
Lack of Employment Opportunities. ...
Housing. ...
Access to Medical Services. ...
Transportation Issues. ...
Cultural Differences. ...
Raising Children. ...
Prejudice.
Language barriers (problem for immigrants)
The language barrier is the main challenge as it affects the ability to communicate with others. That is because it is assumed that immigrants will learn English or French, depending on their preferences. This may negatively impact the quality of informed decision-making and the care experience for immigrants.
Language barriers can also amplify the effects of other sources of disadvantage. In some countries, immigrants get substandard health care because they cannot speak the native language well. Moreover, the differences between the languages of the first generation and second-generation migrants can harm immigrants.
Lack of Employment Opportunities (problems for immigrants)
Immigrants are among those people who are most likely to face discrimination on the job. That is because there are many problems rooted in how assignments are designed and managed. Moreover, many immigrant workers are excluded from labor and safety protections that are enjoyed by native-born workers.
Newly arrived immigrants are usually disenfranchised in terms of their knowledge of the job market. At the same time, immigrant professionals face difficulties in obtaining recognition for foreign academic credentials. Therefore, better policies are required to help minimize the hurdles that refugees face in the employment process.
What is the problem of credit score?
The scoring system has been studied as a form of classification to shape an individuals life-chances a form of economic inequality. The classification scheme is necessitated by the loss of collective social services and risk.
Housing (problem for immigrants)
Immigrants are probably the most vulnerable group when it comes to housing. That’s because they face severe challenges finding safe, decent, and affordable housing. However, housing problems for immigrants are more than just the homeownership rate. Many of these recently settled immigrants are jobless and can’t afford to pay rent. Moreover, there’s a higher housing cost burden for illegal immigrants compared with their legal immigrant counterparts. These housing problems require national and local responses.
Those who manage to get better housing should use a better security solution, such as IdentityForce Theft Protection, to secure their data from prying eyes.
Problem for immigrants (Access to medical services)
People should have access to health care services regardless of their nationality. However, immigrants have low rates of medical insurance coverage and poor access to health care services. Besides, policy changes have limited immigrants’ access to insurance and health care. These barriers range from financial limitations to discrimination and fear of deportation. This has contributed to growing concerns about immigrant’s ability to participate in many free healthcare programs.
In many countries, undocumented immigrants aren’t eligible to buy health insurance coverage. At the same time, research shows that immigrant families often forgo needed health care because they fear discrimination. Also, many immigrants are not eligible for subsidized participation in national health insurance programs.
Issues for immigrants: Transportation issues
(The ability to drive a car can be essential to getting many everyday tasks done. However, immigrants have limited options when it comes to accessing reliable transport. One of the most significant difficulties immigrants face is the age-related unreliability of their vehicles. Therefore, getting to work and limited transportation are all genuine issues for immigrants.)
Private transportation is also a problem since most immigrants can’t obtain a driver’s license./ not afford to get one (or a car)
Cultural differences (Problem immigrants have to face)
The general understanding of immigrants is based upon falsehoods, misunderstandings, and myths. These false ideas cause large and unfair disparities in many aspects of their life.
Even well-settled migrants face ongoing cultural and communication barriers. This can range from social customs to more significant issues such as religion. For instance, children may feel ashamed that they don’t know the most famous music.
Fear and distrust of immigrants have fueled the creation and success of cultural myths in many countries. Even deeds done with a good intention can come off as culturally insensitive. Therefore, people should keep an open mind and desist from perceiving anything that is different to be “wrong.”
(+melting pot concept)
What is the concept of the melting pot?
-assimilation
-homogenous
-normality for white men
-all mixed up
-fused together to form a “new product”
-give up national identity, culture, language, -> to become an American
Raising children (problem for immigrants)
Growing up as the child of parents who immigrated to another country is not easy. The socioeconomic and psychosocial concerns that children of immigrants often face in a new country can be challenging. Depression, anxiety, and panic disorder are common among immigrants’ children.
The pressure that children of immigrants face is high, and mental health support is low. Unlike adults, children are still in the process of creating their identities. Therefore, being caught between two cultures can create numerous internal conflicts.
Research has shown that children of immigrants are more likely to struggle in school. Other forms of discrimination they may face include discrimination, isolation, and financial stresses.
Prejudices (problem for immigrants)
Many immigrants experience discrimination. In fact, there’s been a mammoth sweep of increased anti-immigration prejudice. These prejudices are exacerbated by how much news and information you consume. In particular, anti-immigrant attitudes sustain restrictive policies.
The prejudice tends to be either against all minority ethnic and religious groups. For instance, more non-EU migrants feel they face discrimination in the UK than those from Europe.
Many governments are stepping up efforts aimed at reducing discrimination and enhancing integration. That’s why we see more anti-racism and prejudice reduction campaigns on TV.
What is the concept of the Salad Bowl?
-coexist in harmony
-cultural differences
-identity
-individuality
-different religions, culture, beliefs, values
-without different ingredients -> not complete
-multi-cultural, diverse
-pluralistic
What are problems concerning credit score immigrants have to face?
New immigrants are "credit invisible" without a U.S.-based credit report, which can make it nearly impossible to get approved for loans and other forms of credit. Lack of a credit history can also make it harder to rent property and to obtain cellphone and utility services.
What does it mean to feel a sense of belonging?
Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group. It is when an individual can bring their authentic self to work.
What is Assimilation?
Policy which expects immigrants to lose their distinctiveness, such as their style of dress or beliefs
-> adopt style of their host country (melting pot)
Abraham Maslow, a social psychology professor from New York, determined a sense of belonging—along with several other factors, including safety, esteem, and self-actualization—was a powerful motivator of human behavior. In his 1943 essay, "A Theory of Human Motivation," he outlined the tenet that became “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs” in the field of psychology.
Maslow’s theory categorizes the physiological resources adults need to survive and the emotional resources they must acquire to develop their authentic selves. Professionals in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and other scientific fields often illustrate Maslow's hierarchy as a pyramid, with physical survival needs near the essential base and self-actualization at the pinnacle. Love, self-esteem, and belonging usually fall in the middle of a Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid.
What is pluralism?
Policy expects ethnic groups to participate and contribute to their host country -> maintain their identity
Pluralist society applies common values on all
-multicultural societies -> formed by migration
how many people died because of guns in the US so far in 2023?
1,230 people 69 of them und mass shootings
40 mass shootings this year
compared to Germany there have been 0
—> 24 days
what’s a prejudice?
-a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or an actual experience
-defined in social psychology as a negative feeling towards a particular group and its members (towards some groups, the prejudice is characterized by disgust, others by anger, yet others by fear)
Why do a lot of people experience prejudices?
f.e. immigrants are perceived to pose multiple kinds of threats, they are likely to be on the receiving end of especially pernicious prejudices and acts of discrimination
Instead of but
-however
-although
-despite/despite the fact
-nevertheless
Instead of and
-in addition
-as well as
-besides
-furthermore
Instead of so
-therefore
-as a result
-this means that
-thus
What happened on the 11. September 2001?
9/11
single deadliest terrorist attack
Terrorist hijacked 4 planes and crushed 2 of them into the twin towers of the world trade center
3000 people killed, more than 6000 injured
President George w. Bush declared war on terrorism
For what is the USA Patriot Act?
26 October 2001
Trying to prevent further terrorist attacks, to strengthen americas security
London bombings of 2005
Coordinated suicide bomb attacks in the London transit
7 july 2005
52 were killed from explosions which tore through 3 trains
All bombers died in the attack
Deadliest terrorist attack in the UK, first islamistic suicide attack
What do you know about the NRA?
-Founded in 1871
-National Rifle Association of America is a gun rights advocacy group
-has become a prominent gun rights lobbying organization while continuing to teach firearm safety
-The NRA is now among the most powerful special interest lobby groups in the US, with a substantial budget to influence members of Congress on gun policy. It is run by executive vice-president Wayne LaPierre.
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