SOCI 290 Oral History Thematic Memo Courtney Fugate

Oral histories can be considered collections of social, cultural, historical, and vital information about peoples livesindividually and within society. These collections of information illustrate different opinions and perspectives of the many different individuals who build the diverse web that span across the earth. America has become a strong point in that web due to large numbers of immigrants who immigrate to this country. They bring with them social and economic capital, as well as cultural diversity which they integrate into the larger culture of America. During the 20th century Latin America became a place of great emigration. 15 million people left Latin American from 1950 to 2000. This added to the already growing number of Hispanic people in the U.S. In 1970 the percentage of population labeled as Hispanic was a meager 4.7%. In 1990 it grew a moderate amount to 9% and by 2005 the Hispanic population rang it as a heavyweight with a percentage of 14.4%. From Guatemala alone, my respondents home country, there were between 500,000 to 699,000 immigrants in that large time period. My respondent is also a contributor to the feminization of migration. She migrated on her own, by herself, and with help from no one else. This is a growing trend of migration and she fits the bill perfectly. The number of self-sufficient women in the world, even in classically rigid gender stratified societies, is growing. The faces of immigrants are beginning to change from young men to families and independent women. While my respondent did migrate on her own she did not exactly have the complete choice to leave her native country. She explained that she left Guatemala due to the civil war that erupted and caused chaos that infiltrated her daily life.
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Also, as most women do, she worried about raising a family in a country that could not protect her family. Her migration was not forced to the point where she had to flee immediately and leave everything behind like say, a refugee would but it definitely pressured her to think of other options for her life. All immigrants face the journey of moving to another country and all that entails. However different immigrants stories are, they all share some of the same characteristics, such as bravery and determination. The willingness to abandon all you know to go into a foreign world and build a life. Yet, migration is selective. Not everyone has the same chance. Those with high capital find the most success and mobility in America. Those who leave their home country are usually the brightest of their communities. Like my respondent said, she was one of the luckier people in her town. Meaning, she had enough money, other forms of capital, and resources to make the journey to her new home. Many immigrants are not this lucky or fortunate. My respondent journey was documented, well-planned, and successful because she had the resources necessary. After an immigrant completes the journey to their new country, they begin a new journeythe journey of integration. Integration, assimilation, and acculturation are all terms used to describe the relationship between immigrants and the society in which they make their home. Assimilation requires and immigrant to become American and be virtually indistinguishable from native-born members of society. Assimilation is strong associated with the U.S. in the classic American assimilation model, assimilation is predicted to be complete by the 3rd generation. However, I feel that I must disagree. If an immigrant has the resources, the willingness to embrace new facets of culture, and also retain their own, they can fully become part of U.S. culture. Embracing new culture, including the members of it, are completely up to
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the immigrants discretion. As my respondent said, You can have all the resources available but if you as a person dont want to be part of the community, it wont happen. Unlike assimilation, integration requires both the sending and receiving elements of immigrant and native cultures to be active. Active in an exchange of ideas, beliefs, thoughts, actions, and every other feature of human culture. However, what really matters is whether or not immigrants identify with the host society and if they feel they belong. If they feel as if they are an outcast, it is most likely due to the condition in which they were received when arriving to their new country. Discrimination, segregation, and other negative experiences cause feelings that lead immigrants to feel separated from the general population. Other factors that lead to separation are ethnic enclaves, schools, and neighborhoods. Regardless, mainstream American culture has a tendency to be over-bearing and dominating. My respondent made an interesting point when she explained to me her belief that the United States has taken control of the word American. She explained that she was an American before she came to the United States because she is from Guatemala, which is part of Central America. She says the word belongs to everyone who resides in the continent but the United States has taken the word and redefined it to their advantage. When coming to America many immigrants experience discrimination. What kind and where it takes place is somewhat impacted by their ethnicity, aesthetics, gender, age, and other factors. My respondent explained that she experienced discrimination and prejudice while cleaning houses when she first came to America. She then explained that she believed it was a normal part of an immigrants life. This, and other factors including ambition and cultural norms, led her to a career where she worked for herself. Entrepreneurship and self-sufficient careers are common among immigrants, even the untraditional immigrants like single women.
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It is important to remember that all immigrants have their own, personal idea of the American Dream. The idea of success if fluid and is perceived differently to each immigrant before, upon, and after arrival. The opportunity structure that is associated with the U.S. draws immigrants in on the chances of growth, success, and upward mobility. Mobility is directly impacted by the skills that an immigrant brings to the U.S. My respondent brought with her a basic knowledge of English, which was extremely helpful, and also work experience in a primary labor market. Her experience as a secretary in Guatemala helped her work as a real estate broker in America. With her set of skills and personal capital she was able to enter the better labor market, according to segmented labor market theory. According to segmented assimilation theory, immigrants take many paths. To varying degrees immigrants retain their native culture and incorporate into mainstream, American society. My respondent stated, I will not give up my culture. Because of this she has brought diversity to the U.S. like many other immigrants have done. America may be the melting pot of cultures but the immigrants who are brave enough to undergo the journey to a new place are the burners that keep the pot boiling into new, unique states.