The following videos define and discuss key terms and issues related to people who move from their place of origin either by choice or by necessity. The third video uses satire to raise questions about the politics of migration.
Who is a Migrant?
UNHCR’s global trends in forced displacement – 2018 figures
IMMIGRANTS! Feat. Donald Trump & Tony Abbott [RAP NEWS 34]
Discussion questions:
What are some of the reasons for migration?
What are the differences and similarities between migrants and refuges?
How many people are displaced in the world? How many are children? Why are they displaced? Which are the five main countries that the highest numbers of displaced people come from?
Is it fair that some people can move around the globe freely while others are forced to move out of desperation? Why?
How might we reduce the need for so many people to flee war, conflict, poverty and environmental destruction with little more than the clothes on their backs?
Intercultural contact and racism
Migration typically increases the intercultural contact between groups of people. This can lead to cultural exchange and enrichment. However, intercultural contact between migrants and the host society can also challenge norms and familiar ways of being and doing. Both migrants and host societies experience various psychological processes related to their identity, sense of who they are and whether they belong. The following videos use humour to encourage people to think more deeply about such matters.
What kind of Asian are you?
I Don’t See Race
Discussion questions:
How does the humour communicate ideas about migration, race and belonging in a place?
Do you think equality is about sameness and not viewing differences in people?
Why is the issue of race often contentious leading to intense reactions, such as vehement denial or exasperation?
How might we increase the ability of ourselves and other people to look past surface appearances such as skin colour?
