For the past few weeks I've been tuning into 9500 Liberty, an "interactive" documentary filmed and produced by Annabel Park and Eric Byler about the immigration controversy in Prince William County Virginia. The film is an independent documentary, but instead of editing, cutting and otherwise shaping the film (as most filmmakers do), Park and Byler decided to post raw footage on Youtube immediately, with the hope of encouraging open debate on the issue. Linked here is one of the most frequently watched clips. I encourage you to visit the 9500 Liberty site to see more. Park and Byler have attempted to engage the complexities of the controversy, and so far, have succeeded.
Showing posts with label immigration flashpoint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label immigration flashpoint. Show all posts
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Find the Illegal Immigrant
Although they are supposed to be getting an education, there are times when college students' actions are just plain foolish. This article from today's NY Times reports that the NYU College Republicans sparked a protest yesterday. The group announced it was holding campus game for its members, "Catch the Illegal Immigrant." The idea was the group of young Republicans were to search the campus for the person wearing a button that says "illegal immigrant," and receive a small prize.
Although few of the College Republicans showed up for the game, hundreds of people did stop by to protest the game and its sponsors. The College Republicans said their aim was not to offend, but rather to draw awareness to the issues.
On that point, the College Republicans were successful. We are now all aware of at least one issue: that these students have mistaken a trivial stunt for "debate."
Although few of the College Republicans showed up for the game, hundreds of people did stop by to protest the game and its sponsors. The College Republicans said their aim was not to offend, but rather to draw awareness to the issues.
On that point, the College Republicans were successful. We are now all aware of at least one issue: that these students have mistaken a trivial stunt for "debate."
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Aceptamos Pesos
There are places in Mexico where you don't have to worry about changing your money. In Tijuana and Cancun, even as far inland as San Miguel de Allende (at times), you're greenbacks might be welcomed.
In Dallas, Texas, it appears the opposite is true: at Pizza Paton, "acemptamos pesos" is now the part of daily business. The chain, which has 59 pizza shops started accepting pesos as legal tender for their pizza on Monday. The owner, Antonio Swad, expected to take some heat from the promotion, but he was surprised when he started receiving death threats.
It is not uncommon for businesses along the U.S.-Mexico border to accept both currencies, and a similarly, Canadian dollars are often accepted along the U.S.-Canada border.
The significance of this reaction is that a simple business promotion has become an immigration flashpoint, exposing American insecurity about the Latino, and Mexican influence on American culture.
In Dallas, Texas, it appears the opposite is true: at Pizza Paton, "acemptamos pesos" is now the part of daily business. The chain, which has 59 pizza shops started accepting pesos as legal tender for their pizza on Monday. The owner, Antonio Swad, expected to take some heat from the promotion, but he was surprised when he started receiving death threats.
It is not uncommon for businesses along the U.S.-Mexico border to accept both currencies, and a similarly, Canadian dollars are often accepted along the U.S.-Canada border.
The significance of this reaction is that a simple business promotion has become an immigration flashpoint, exposing American insecurity about the Latino, and Mexican influence on American culture.
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