Since the beginning of time, people have migrated from their home lands to new territories, in search of a more sustainable and satisfying lifestyle. However, once they reach foreign lands, they realize there are new challenges that arise. The new agenda’s that form into fruition, will test one’s will power. You either fail or succeed. Listening to Bruce Springsteen’s American Land, and Moxie Raia and Wyclef Jean’s Follow Me, presented to the listener an interpretation of migrant life. Reading YBCA Zine about Favianna Rodriguez, gave me her view on the importance of immigrants being able to tell their own stories. Immigration conversations are much needed, as it brings forth understanding from a universal perspective.
Bruce Springsteen is a revered musician, whose musical catalogue has extensively impacted people for generations. In his song American land, he covers many immigration topics such as Ellis Island in NYC, a federal immigration center. He also speaks on his own Italian immigration heritage, as well the other major immigration groups (Blacks, Irish, Germans, and Jews). “The Blacks, the Irish, Italians, the Germans and the Jews
Come across the water a thousand miles from home. With nothing in their bellies but the fire down below. They died building the railroads worked to bones and skin.” Within the quote annotated above, Springsteen credits immigrants who have worked hard to build the country. Many have sacrificed their lives trying to do so. Many have came to this country with little to nothing, only to leave this world with the same.
Moxie Raia and Wyclef Jean’s Follow Me, has a visual concept to match their lyrics. Listening to the song while watching the video in the background presents empathy from the viewer. You are shown the hardships and chances thousands of refugees take to reach lands filled with better opportunity. Some images contain individuals with sorrow filled in their eyes. Other images of people who look uncertain, but have the courage to take they changes in hopes of a better tomorrow.
- Why did Ellis Island close down?
- Approximately how many grants are given to immigrants, per year, to fund their businesses?