Gordon Wong is an immigrant from Hong Kong. He moved to the United States when he was 12 with his family in search for a better education and to reunite with his family who have settled in America already. Gordon's transition to the United States wasn't too hard but it was different for him. He made new friends quickly in San Francisco, one of the most liberal and open cities in America. Hear more about it in his full interview below.
The Push to Move to America
Gordon's family wanted to move to America in search for better education for their future generations and to reunite with his grandparents. His grandparents had already made their way to the United States which made it easier to obtain Visas for his family.
Moving to America: Transition from Hong Kong to the US
Gordon and his family didn't have a rough transition as you might expect. They travelled on a plane to America after they got their visas.
Education
One of the reasons why Gordon's family immigrated to the United States was to find better education for him and his sister. Gordon took ESL courses at AP Giannini when he first moved here (2006) but because he had taken English courses in Hong Kong, his English was deemed proficient enough so that he could take regular English courses. "By 2007-08, California's elementary schools ranked 39th in class size, averaging 21.6 students. This reduction in class size contributed significantly to improved test scores."
~Competing Visions: A History of California, text
Discrimination
Immigrating from Hong Kong to San Francisco wasn't much of a problem since SF is such a diverse city. Gordon didn't face much discrimination because the Asian population is pretty high and he got along with his schoolmates quickly. "Since everyone at work spoke Chinese, women found the working environment agreeable, and intimacy in sharing experiences of life in the United Staes developed naturally."
~AJA: Chinese American Women Defense Workers in WW2
Religion
Gordon didn't practice any religion but he later tells me that his family does. The transition between USA and Hong Kong didn't really affect his religious practices.
Employment in USA
It was easy for Gordon to get a job since he was bilingual in Cantonese and English. In the Education section, he mentions that he took ESL courses when he first moved here and he had taken English courses in Hong Kong which was helpful. He worked at a Hong Kong restaurant in San Francisco when he reached high school and his bilingual skill came in handy when working with his coworkers and with the customers. "The relationship between shop-owners and workers, if often economically exploitative, was nonetheless friendly."
~AJA: Chinese American Women Defense Workers in WW2
Vincent Ramsey, Digital Oral History Collins 2016 HIST 240
This is my interview with my mother who immigrated with her family from Nicaragua to California as a young child. As she tells her story, themes such as Education, Discrimination, and Economics are touched up on giving a fair amount of context in efforts to truly put the reader in the position she felt as an immigrant, also giving us not only historical, but first person context on what life was like in a foreign country, coming to the USA. This is her story.
Life in Nicaragua, and Immigrating To The USA; IMMIGRATION
Leaving Nicaragua was a very tough for Marcella and her family, leaving at such a young age it was very bewildering for her to get up, and moe foreign lands that had only heard of. Coming from Nicaragua to San Francisco was thankful easier for her than most because some of her immediate neighbors, and even relatives were no able to have such a successful escape. Marcella speaks on how Nicaragua has since become a tourist location in San Juan Del Sul, a tropical city that has beautiful beaches appealing to tourist amenities as well. Similarly to the USA, Marcella went to private school waking up early in the morning, eating breakfast as a family and after her mother would walk her to school, as a stay at home mom, very similar to Western Culture. Television was not watched for the most part in the house, as her and her three other siblings played out till dark. Marcella describes the Beaches as very warm, and a pleasing place to be, as she frequented them often. Marcella had to leave Nicaragua because of Civil unrest as war broke out, causing her and her family to be refugees in her own country, staying in her home for months, as the gunfire was on and off. Suddenly, her and her family got up, and left to the United States. This can be related to the “Push And Pull Factor Of Immigration” that was expressed in Chapter 2 Of Competing Visions, as Marcella and her family were forced by the push of Civil War, and being pulled by the opportunities that the United States had to offer as a refugee, and a citizen. Similarly to how the Europeans experienced "push and pull" from the enticements of Asian Trade, and the need to expand to accommodate their growing population.
US Initial Impressions
Not much was known about the United States before she came to San Francisco. However, Marcella did have an aunt living here, which she was relatively close to. Marcella was able to recite Presidential names such as "Ronald Reagan", and "Jimmy Carter." Marcella's culture in Nicaragua was also influenced by English as her father studied english, as knew how to speak it well, yet being such a young child, she was not exposed to English before coming to the United States.
Western Influence in Nicaragua
Early Life In The USA; EDUCATION
Upon coming to The United States, Marcella was not exposed to certain programs that we had now, such as "ESL, English as Second Language." A program that bridges the gap between non native english speakers, and the English Language which would have helped people that were in her situation. Yet, looking back Marcella says she is thankful for not having been exposed to that as she was "thrown into the water" learning English at a much more rapid rate this way. Marcella was able to learn the language in a very rapid three months, showing that she was able to adapt to her new environment. Being a native Spanish speaker, seeing other Latin Folk who were Latin, and either did not speak the language, or even pretended to not speak the language, it was also culture shocking as well because these were people that were in The United States, who looked like people back home, and did not speak Spanish, this became difficult for her to adapt to. Furthermore, as her English was impaired initially, kids that she were surrounded with inevitably made fun of her, and her siblings for being different. During California's guided age, "education in California admitted women unlike on the East, Land grants were given to create UC’s 1900 32% men college, 39% women went to college" we this as a perfect example of history's blue print on Marcella's life, as a minority, and as a woman living in California able to graduate High School, and go onto post secondary College, studying Accounting.
Cultural Differences
High School
High school came, along and Marcella became totally emerged into Western society, even forgetting about her humble beginnings in Nicaragua, with the adventures of adolescence, and growing up. Marcella is very happy that her parents did not allow for Spanish Television to be watched in the house, as this caused further separations from her Nicaraguan heritage, but also drew her in closer to the world she lives in now. Baby sitting, and going to school took up most of her time throughout school.
How Early School Dealt with the new Immigrants
Segregation/Discrimination
The language barrier was prevalent in the early days of High School, but Marcella brings a different perspective to the discussion as she herself did not experience segregation as expected. Marcella was able to adapt to the States well. Her early school also had a mentor as well, as he was someone who spoke Spanish and was able to sit with her and translate when needed. The teachers in her time were not able to address the problem of the non english speaking children, resulting in a mentorship program. This was the best that could be done at the time, for immigrants coming to the US. It was also very easy again because Marcella and her family wanted to learn the language. Marcella reiterates further that she did not experience segregation or discrimination coming to the USA. This challenges the idea of immigrants being given the lesser hand, as Marcella was able to excel in not only her class, but getting a job, and proving for her now family.
As seen by Authors Authors Martha Menchaca and Richard R. Valencia's article on Mexican Segregation, stating "As recent as 1979 a report came out stating “the elementary schools reflected ethnic isolation and such school segregation." Menchaca shows that even during the late 20th Century in Mexico, students were separated, and mistreated in the classrooms, something that thankfully was not prevalent in Jefferson High Schools classrooms.
Economic Changes from Nicaragua to the USA
Marcella is not "happy" per say to pay taxes, yet she sees them as necessary for a successful society. Coming from a was torn country, the government was unstable, and it is a relief to her to have Government programs that are readily available for assistance. Marcella did not want to touch on her political affiliation, yet she is proud to be an American.
Even more cultural Disconnect, Identity
Marcella and her family had to disconnect herself her country, so that she could face the reality she lives with now. No Spanish music, or television was watched foe the most part in the house, nor was Latin food made in the house either. Marcella states that until recently going back to Nicaragua, she was able to re kindle the fire learning again about her culture. Since leaving he country, she has only been back twice, as this is actually uncommon. For the most part nearly all of her friends went back multiple times, yet she has only been back once. There seemed to be no interest going back to Nicaragua, as there was refinance of the war.
As A Final Wrap Up...........
Works Cited
Authors Martha Menchaca Richard R. Valencia. "Anglo‐Saxon Ideologies in the 1920s‐1930s: Their Impact on the Segregation of Mexican Students in California." Wiley Online Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2016.
Cherny, Robert W., Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, and Richard Griswold Del Castillo. Competing Visions: A History of California. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2005. Print.
I am honored and blessed to introduce to you Mr. Timothy Dupre', who is a counselor at Skyline College. I chose to interview him because of his vast knowledge. My points of focus are Diversity, since, he has travelled and knows a lot about other cultures, religion because he is a pastor and education because he is a professor. The videos address his childhood days, experiences of his adulthood, situations growing up and current day controversial topics.
Diversity
In the beginning Mr. Timothy Dupre' gives us his definition of culture, which reminds me of a saying, "Strength lies in differences not in similarities." He moves on to telling us what are the misconceptions of the people of his culture and how his race or country played a role in shaping American culture. Lastly, h elaborates on how he pictures himself in the American society. his theory is similar to the saying by Jimmy Carter in one of his books, "We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic, different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes and different dreams." What would the World be without diversity? In my opinion, "Diversity is to the Human race, like sugar is to a cup of coffee."
Generational Oppression
Mr. Dupre' speaks on how his cultural role in the past days compare to the cultural role he is given in todays society, has he ever experienced racism and if so, how?. Lastly, he tells us how did segregation impact his life and his feelings on schools, public accommodations and housing became desegregated.
Education
While answering my question, "He being a professor, what are the differences he notices in the educational system from the old times to todays times?" He mentions the eastern way of education, where a child is left at the guru's ashram to learn his principled way of life and his teachings of success. This brings a quote to my mind, "When educating the minds, do not forget to educate the hearts." he continues to share his opinion on the American educational system and his thoughts on free education in America. On asking him, "How important was education to his family?" he tells us that he is the first person to hold an Associates degree and two masters degrees. I agree with Malala Yousafzai, "One book, one pen, one teacher and one student can change the World."
Religion
Mr.Dupre' elaborates on the impact of religion on his life and family and his feelings on the different religions he has encountered. A quote that would summarize this section would be, "True religion is real living, living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness."
Employment
Mr. Dupre' shares with us his fond experiences of employment and a little insight on his employment history, what in his opinion is the most challenging aspects of working in a diverse environment and if it has ever affected his career.
Gentrification
What does he think about gentrification in San Francisco and Oakland, has it changed the community as more technology workers taken over neighborhoods that were ethnic enclaves, how his experience in the United States veteran impact his experiences and moves on to explaining the benefits of being a veteran and serving the country, touches on topics of the previous election ,the 2016 election and police brutality.
Genealogy
In this video Mr.Dupre' shares with us his ancestral descent, how far back can he trace his ancestors and he states that he is related to Marie Therese Coincoin.
Introduction:
Lina Faddoul is my (Anthony) aunt. She was born in 1979 in Damascus, Syria. She was born in an upper-middle class family that could afford to live in comfort but decided to leave their country for Canada in order to give the kids a chance to live a better life. She later left Canada for San Francisco for work and has been living there ever since.
Topic 1: Integration/Assimilation
Question: What are the major cultural difference (or barriers) that you have experienced coming to California and how were you able to overcome the culture shock related to them?
The first segment of Topic 1 outlines Lina's move from Syria to Montreal (Canada) at a younger age. She compared the cultures between Montreal and Syria and explained what helped her integrate into the community better.
The second segment of Topic 1 outlines Lina's move to San Francisco from Montreal. She talked about the reasons of her move and her experience integrating into this new community.
"Throughout its history, California has constantly been remade as waves of people migrated to the Golden State with dreams for a better life." (Competing Visions by Robert W. Cherny page 426)
In this third segment of Topic 1, Lina compares her moves to Canada and to the United States and tries to decide which of these two countries would be easier to move to for a person coming from Syria.
Topic 2: Diversity
Question: Being surrounded by various cultures, how have you felt connected and/or disconnected from someone outside your ethnic group?
In this segment, Lina gives the reasons she felt connected or disconnected from the Canadian demographic related to cultural and social aspects of both countries.
"Young people, caught between the more traditional expectations of their parents and those of their American peers, faced the challenge of forging a positive identity." (Competing Visions by Robert W. Cherny page 434)
Topic 3: Discrimination
Question: Did you experience any type of discrimination in Montreal or in California?
In this first segment, Lina outlines her experience with discrimination against not only the people of Syria but any Non-Canadian person.
In this second segment of topic 3, Lina explains her interactions with people from San Francisco. She compared discrimination experience in Canada with ignorance or simple curiosity of the people of San Francisco.
"Contrary to popular stereotypes, a large majority of Arab Americans were Christian. And they, like Armenians, had higher than average incomes and educational levels and were concentrated in professional, technical, managerial, and administrative occupations." (Competing Visions by Robert W. Cherny page 433)
Yelena Timena is a 54 year old immigrant from Odessa, Ukraine. She immigrated here in 1996 with her husband, son, and mother-in-law. In 1997, she gave birth to her daughter (me) in the United States. She has been working as a Quality Analyst for the last 18 years and is currently working at Mckesson- Relay Health. This year she finally applied for citizenship with her husband, and they became citizens of the United States just last month.
Segments:
1. Diversity- What are the major cultural differences (or barriers) that you have experienced coming to California and how were you able to overcome the culture shock related to them?
2. Education- How important was education to your family? Give a positive and negative experience about your childhood education.
3. Religion- How has your relationship to religion changed since arriving in California? Did you practice religion in Ukraine?
4. Discrimination/Language- What was it like learning to speak English fluently as an adult? How has that impacted your ability to find work? Have you ever faced discrimination?
5. Politics- How have your political views changed since arriving to California? Do you support any political party? If so, why? How has that shaped your relationship with your friends?
Segment I- What are the major cultural difference (or barriers) that you have experienced coming to California and how were you able to overcome the culture shock related to them?
(insert video)
Segment II- How important was education to your family? Give a positive and negative experience about your childhood education.
