To get a feel for how we tend to deal with stories of war and mass migration, it might help to look at a wide range of authoritative polls and public comments. Then, we can take a look at some books or media resources for stories about war and mass migration.
First, let us take a look at Europe. We will head to the Pew Research Center for some statistics. Europe has experienced record immigration in the last few years. The Pew Research Center documents that the increased migration levels are due to newcomers from war-torn nations in Africa and the Middle East. Adult males are the majority of migrants to Europe. If you refer to the article, you will see statistics documenting five main views Europeans have about war and mass migration.
Despite everyday news stories highlighting the plight of refugees, Europeans have become less welcoming of migrants. For example, almost 60% of Europeans across a spectrum of 10 EU countries feel that mass migration is placing an undue burden on their countries. Europeans are also fearful at the prospect of increased terrorism.
Now, let us head to the Economist. At the link, you can read public comments about war and mass migration. Many commenters are worried about assimilation and the rise of ethnic conflicts in their countries. Meanwhile, others are concerned at the rising level of animosity against migrants. We have varied viewpoints at the Economist, which is a good thing.
Here is another link that highlights authoritative public surveys about mass migration. In both America and Europe, there are predominantly two views about migration. One view supports the idea that multiculturalism is a positive outcome of mass migration. Meanwhile, the other view is more skeptical, citing concerns about overburdened welfare programs and gang/terrorist activity.
In America, news stories about mass migration from Central America have taken center stage in the last two years. Many migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala are fleeing civil wars in their countries. How does the average person deal with such stories? The coping mechanisms are varied. Some choose to discuss it with others who hold similar views. Others choose to ignore the issue altogether. Still others choose to vote for politicians who support their views about war and mass migration. Here is an article highlighting the divide between those who support mass migration and those who reject it.
Democrats tend to argue that America is all about inclusion, while Republicans tend to maintain that Americans should be prioritized over immigrants. The debate continues.
As for books and media, you will find that some portray mass migration positively, while others present more negative views. I will suggest two books, each discussing opposing views about mass migration.
Here is a book for mass migration: Caroline Moorehead's HUMAN CARGO: A Journey Among Refugees. Moorehead's book is a sympathetic portrayal of refugees who flee war-torn countries and who struggle to assimilate in Western cultures. Moorehead (a refugee aid worker and human rights journalist) documents the plight of refugees who desperately seek asylum status and struggle to avoid deportation.
Here is a book against mass migration: J.D Hayworth's Whatever It Takes: Illegal Immigration, Border Security, and the War on Terror. Hayworth is a former member of the US House of Representatives. In his book, he discusses the dangers of porous borders.
Both Moorehead's and Hayworth's books were published in 2005. You can probably find newer books for or against mass migration. However, these two books highlight the two predominant views about migration today.
Both books are framed at gaining public support for or against mass migration. What does this tell us about our society and the way we live? First, there is no monolithic perspective about war and mass migration. Second, each perspective is centered on divergent goals. Those who support mass migration are primarily focused on the plight of refugees. Meanwhile, those who reject mass migration are predominantly focused on national welfare (as opposed to migrant welfare).
Certainly, stories about war and mass migration are controversial and generate substantial conflict between opposing groups. Please refer to the links I have provided: they should help you compose informed answers to your questions.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Discuss in general how we tend to go about dealing with stories of war and mass migration. Next, discuss how certain information (books/media) is framed to tell us something about our society and the way we live.
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