Presentation by Jacob Thomas
Friday, November 22, 20193:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Abstract:
I delineate the sequence of sociological forces that gradually disenchanted formerly aspiring immigrants, driving them to become ex-immigrants. I draw upon detailed oral narratives by 121 Chinese ex-immigrants from sixteen countries, tracing the processes by which they pass from a feeling of initial excitement to disappointment with an immigration country not being as they had imagined. After initial disappointments, many describe experiencing frustrations with the language barrier. Even after they become linguistically proficient, they confront difficulties culturally relating to and befriending locals, inducing homesickness, loneliness, and cultural alienation. Once more acculturated, they become more sensitive to ethnic/racial/gender discrimination, frustrated with growing stereotyping and racial and gendered hierarchies, an increasingly frustrating with their limited upward socio-economic mobility, and uncertainty about the future due to stress over whether they can obtain a visa. At a certain point in this sequence, former immigrants decide to cut their losses, figuring they will have a better life as an ex-immigrant in China than as “just an immigrant.”
The Central Asia Workshop is an interdisciplinary discussion group sponsored by the UCLA Program on Central Asia. The goal of the workshop is to encourage graduate student research on Central Asia by creating a space where students and interested faculty can discuss research, theory and ideas with others who have experience or interest in the region. The workshop is a forum for exploring recent research and classical and contemporary theoretical perspectives that inform work in Central Asia. Weekly discussions are led by members on a rotating basis, and topics are determined by group interests.
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Sponsor(s): Program on Central Asia