This reflection paper reflects my interview with my sister Shabnam Moqim. The interview aimed at understanding her knowledge of her cultural history, background, and identity as well as her experiences as an immigrant in the United States of America. In the paper, I will reflect on her response to the questions I presented to her during the interview.
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What generation in the U.S. do you represent?
While responding to this question, Moqim acknowledged that she belongs to generation Z. This is the generation of the people born after 1990 and are the digital natives. This generation is the most diverse generation in the United States of America, both racially and ethnically.
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Where do your ancestors come from?
Moqim's ancestors are from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Currently, the country is a war-torn state, and terrorist attacks have become the norm of the day. American troops have spent years in the country trying to restore law and order.
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How did they get here?
Moqim came to American on a special immigration visa. This visa accords people who qualify for a green card permanent residence in America.
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Why did they come here?
Moqim explained that the reason for seeking permanent residence in the United States of America was to be safe and secure. The family was seeking a safe residence far away from their war-torn country.
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What positive or negative migration experiences do you or other members of your
family remember?
Moqim divulged that the positive experiences of being in America include the feeling of being in a safe and secure place and the availability of opportunities. However, on the negative, she noted that the family experienced language barriers, career barriers, and cultural barriers. The barriers are expected for anyone moving to a new society or country. The reason being, human beings are diverse beings, and the characteristics differ from one society to the other (Corey & Corey, 2016). As for Moqim and other family members, moving from Afghanistan, an Islamic country, to America, a country whose foundations are laid on Christianity, such barriers are expected.
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How easy or difficult was it for them to adapt to life in this country at the time?
According to Corey and Corey (2016), adapting to a different culture is not easy, and Moqim acknowledged that it was not easy for them and it took time for them to adjust to the new country.
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Did they or you experience rejection or prejudice based on race, religion, or nationality?
Discrimination and prejudice are prevalent in American society. However, some people may be biased without knowing that they are being discriminative (Corey & Corey, 2016). During their stay in America, Moqim noted that they had been discriminated against for being foreigners, being of a different race, and practicing a different religion.
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What social conflicts have you or your family experienced within the mainstream
American culture?
Corey and Corey (2016) refer to social conflicts as the differences in social norms between two societies. Being from an Islamic state, the first social conflict was in religion. Another social conflict was in dressing; Moqim notes that women wearing lesser clothes, shorts, and trousers in public was a new experience to her since, in her county, women have to wear hijab when in public.
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Does your immediate family or extended family practice any cultural celebrations, customs, or traditions? What are some of them? Which do you value most?
As Muslims, Moniq divulged that the family observes all the Muslim cultural practices and observes all the celebrations. The most important day for the family is Eid al-Fitr, as it marks the end of fasting. It follows the holy month of Ramadan (the month of fasting, praying, reflection, and community), and it is celebrated to give thanks to Allah for proving Muslims endurance and strength during the fasting rituals. Another religious celebration observed by the family is the Hijri New Year or the Islamic New Year, the day a new year count is incremented.
new year’s, fasting month)
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Do any language barriers impact you and your family? If so, explain.
Moqim explained that language barriers had been a challenge to their lives as it made it difficult for them to express themselves when needed. For example, in hospitals, it is difficult for them to explain how they are feeling adequately. The inability to communicate has a depressing effect on some of the family members.
Reference
Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (2016). Becoming a helper , 7 th Edition. Cengage Learning.
