Subordinate Groups: Native Americans, African Americans, Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, Arab Americans, Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Asian Indians, Hawaiians, Irish Americans, Polish Americans, Norwegian Americans, Jewish Americans, Cuban Americans, Mexican Americans, and Puerto Ricans.
• Identify and describe which, if any, of these creation and consequence situations the group has faced:
o Creation: migration, annexation, or colonization
o Consequences: extermination, expulsion, secession, segregation, fusion, or assimilation
• Write a fictional, first-person account of the creation and consequence situations of a subordinate group in the United States in the form of a 700- to 1,050-word journal entry.
• Describe, as if you were a member of that subordinate group, where the group originated, how it came to the United States, and one or two locations in the United States where members of your group live. Be creative in your fictional descriptions, but accurate with your facts. Search through chapters of the text, the Internet, or the University Library for information about your chosen group.
Students,
DO NOT put any personal information online, including any way of posting your email address.
Redrose, once you have written up your assignment, someone here will be happy to comment on your ideas.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1211854695
My name starts with a g.
In order to complete the task, I will provide an example of an imaginary account based on one of the subordinate groups mentioned in the prompt, the Japanese Americans:
Journal Entry: The Journey of the Japanese Americans
Dear Diary,
Today, I would like to share with you the creation and consequence situations my Japanese American community has faced. We have endured the trials of migration and assimilation, which have shaped our identities.
Our journey began in the late 1800s, in the beautiful land of Japan. We were farmers, fishermen, and artisans, living in harmony with nature and embracing our traditions. However, economic hardships and political unrest forced many of us to seek a new life beyond the sea.
As the winds of change swept our shores, we set sail across the Pacific in search of better opportunities. The United States beckoned with dreams of prosperity and a chance to forge a new home. Some of our ancestors arrived in California, drawn to its promise of fertile land and bustling commerce. They settled in areas like San Francisco, forming close-knit communities where our familiar language and customs were maintained.
But our arrival was not met with open arms. Prejudice and discrimination began to close in around us. The consequence of our migration was the creation of a hostile environment filled with xenophobia and ignorance. We faced harsh discrimination, as many Americans viewed us with suspicion and fear.
The turning point came with the outbreak of World War II. Pearl Harbor was attacked, forever changing our lives. In a tragic twist of fate, we became scapegoats for the nation's anger and fear. As a result, the consequence we endured was the internment of Japanese Americans. Families were forcibly removed from their homes and stripped of their belongings. We were relocated to desolate camps, surrounded by barbed wire and guarded watchtowers. The spirit of resilience prevailed, but the scars of injustice ran deep.
Despite the hardships, our community found strength through unity. We built vibrant communities within the confines of these internment camps—finding solace in familiar traditions, music, and art. We supported each other, refusing to let our spirits be broken.
Following the war, a new chapter began for our community. Many Japanese Americans integrated into mainstream society, adapting to the American way of life while preserving our cultural heritage. The consequence we faced was assimilation, but it also brought us the opportunity to share our traditions with others and promote cross-cultural understanding.
In present times, Japanese Americans continue to thrive as a vibrant community. We have spread across the United States, establishing enclaves such as Little Tokyo in Los Angeles and Japantown in San Francisco. These neighborhoods are a testament to our resilience and determination to keep our heritage alive.
So, dear Diary, this is the story of my people, the Japanese Americans. We came seeking a better life and faced adversity along the way. Through it all, we have emerged as a diverse and thriving community, determined to honor our cultural roots while embracing the richness of our American experience.
Until next time,
[Imaginary Name]
[Note: The word count for this entry is 507 words. You may adapt and expand it to meet the required 700-1,050 word count.]