Assimilation Is Colonization | Nga Vương-Sandoval | TEDxCherryCreekWomen

TEDx Talks7 minutes read

A family flees Saigon as "boat people," facing challenges in resettling in the US, including mispronunciation of names and pressure to assimilate. The text emphasizes the need to reject assimilation, combat discrimination, and celebrate diversity to promote a multicultural society and dismantle colonization.

Insights

  • Highlighting the struggles faced by refugees and immigrants, personal stories emphasize the difficulties of adapting to new cultures, including the pressure to conform and the erosion of individual identities.
  • Advocating for a paradigm shift away from assimilation, the narrative underscores the importance of embracing diversity, combating discrimination, and celebrating multiculturalism to challenge colonial legacies and foster inclusivity.

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Recent questions

  • What challenges do refugees face?

    Refugees face challenges such as adjusting to new customs and language, mispronunciation of names, and pressure to assimilate into a new culture. These difficulties can create barriers to integration and acceptance in their new communities, highlighting the need for support and understanding from the host society.

  • How are refugees resettled in the US?

    Refugees are initially resettled in the United States by non-profit organizations that provide assistance with adjusting to new customs and language. These organizations play a crucial role in helping refugees navigate the challenges of starting a new life in a foreign country, offering support and resources to aid in their integration process.

  • What is the term "boat people"?

    The term "boat people" refers to refugees who fled their homeland by boarding cargo ships to escape conflict or persecution. These individuals often carry both tangible and intangible possessions from their homeland, symbolizing their journey to seek safety and a better life in a new country.

  • Why is it important to appreciate diversity?

    It is important to appreciate diversity to combat discriminatory practices, reject assimilation, and celebrate multiculturalism. Embracing diversity allows for the recognition and respect of different cultures, backgrounds, and identities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society that values the contributions of all individuals.

  • How can colonization be dismantled?

    Colonization can be dismantled by calling for a paradigm shift to reject assimilation, combat discriminatory practices, appreciate diversity, and celebrate multiculturalism. By challenging existing power structures and promoting inclusivity, societies can work towards creating a more equitable and just world that values the richness of diverse cultures and experiences.

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Summary

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Escape from Saigon: Boat People's Journey

  • Family hastily gathers belongings into a single bag and boards a cargo ship to escape Saigon amidst chaos and fear.
  • Arriving at refugee camps, they become known as the "boat people," carrying both tangible and intangible possessions from their homeland.
  • Initial resettlement in the United States by non-profit organizations helps with adjusting to new customs and language.
  • Personal experiences highlight challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, including mispronunciation of names and pressure to assimilate.
  • Calls for a paradigm shift to reject assimilation, combat discriminatory practices, appreciate diversity, and celebrate multiculturalism to dismantle colonization.
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