Imagining an Immigrant

I'm a third generation American, of Indian origin.
My maternal grandparents came here years ago. My grandfather began the immigration process... he was rather like the "Bilbo" of the family. Actually, very much like Bilbo indeed.
My father came here to pursue his PhD at Case Western Reserve University, and he was super successful, married my mom, and they consequently had me and my sister... (for more of my family's story please go HERE).

I didn't really know what it was like to immigrate to America, although we did immigrate to India. So we sort of "went back to where we belong", and it was nice, but we did not belong because our passports said "Born in USA", we had different accents, and we were just "different". I always wonder though what it would be like to go to the USA for the first time as an adult. I wonder what it was like for my grandfather, my father, other friends of mine who have immigrated from India and other countries... what was it like for them? Here's what I think it was like for a couple from rural India, who got a job in USA, and have to move there.





"This is a life changing opportunity", he thought to himself. "I'm so nervous and excited! Anxious and thrilled! is it possible to feel this all at the same time?" Hareesh thought this as he stared at the computer screen in the cyber cafe. He had just received an email from his new employer that they had secured an apartment for him, and his tickets would be booked from the closest international airport. He would have to book his and his wife's train tickets from Erode, Tamil Nadu to Chennai, then a plane to Mumbai. This would be his first time traveling to a different country. A whole new world. A whole new life. What would it be like? The only things he knew was from the media - books, television, news, and some words from friends who had moved there. Hareesh set off to tell his wife that the date of the move had been settled.

He got on his mo-ped (scooter) and drove the dusty road about a kilometer to his home. He excitedly told his wife the good news, his parents were there too. They were happy but they cried, tears of joy, and tears of nervousness of the future. His parents would be left alone, with his sister living nearby with her in-laws, he would be earning less than he was earning now in Rupees. Why? Why risk lower pay and travel far away? This was a dream come true though. A step up - the land of opportunity. They all took a second to go pray to the lord Ganesha.
"It's only two and a half weekends away! We have to pack and be ready!" Hareesh told his wife and family. "I will go immediately and book the train tickets now, the office will just be opening. Will you come with me too, Rohini?" She agreed, and they both set out.

Once they had the tickets, they decided to go shopping for some new clothes, maybe even western wear. It would be cold there, as the president of the company had told them. So they set out to find a place to buy sweaters in this tropical climate city. They each bought 2 sweaters and a jacket. They would be traveling to Cleveland, Ohio. They had no idea what was in store for them.

They were packed and read a week before the trip, just adding small things to the suitcase. They had two check in suitcases, two hand small hand luggage each. The took clothes, books, hair oils, etc. Apparently everything could be bought in USA, but what about medications etc. So all of the essentials were packed. They waited eagerly for the day of the trip. They stayed at home and spent time with the family as they would be missed most. Plus no knowing when they would return to visit. The future was full of unknowns... exciting but scary. Great opportunities lay ahead, however of course the great disasters also came to mind, but no one spoke of it. They prayed and talked about the best, focused on the positive side of such an experience.

The day came, and they said their goodbyes, tearful for Rohini, but Hareesh maintained a strong frame, though his heart quivered in sadness of leaving his parents and excitement of this new adventure. Going to Chennai was not such a big deal, for he had been to Bangalore, and passed through Delhi previously, but going to USA, was the true adventure. A tear escaped his eye, he wiped it away quickly before anyone could see. This was his dream come true, everything he worked so hard for: it was finally happening.

He took his parents blessings and got into the rental ambassador car to the train station. There they found their coach, and put their suitcases in with the hired help of a Coolie. They settled into their seats. Their journey to the "new world" had begun.

In Chennai they took a taxi-cab to the airport. They had to wait 6 hours before their flight to Mumbai. The company had booked the flight with an airline company that flew only out of Mumbai. This was his wife's first time flying and she was not so keen on it. Hareesh told her she had the 2 hour flight to Mumbai to get used to it, because after that it would be a 14 hour flight to Newark Airport, and then another hour long flight to Ohio. This was a tedious long and tiring, but the only way to get to their dreams, a better life, success!

Hareesh and Rohini went through the check-in process, security check etc. and found themselves on the plane learning how to fasten their seat-belts. Hareesh turned of his Nokia phone of 8 years. He would use it one more time in Mumbai to call his parents. Rohini began crying as the plane lifted off, and Hareesh consoled her saying "Silly girl, we are still in India. You should cry when we leave Mumbai!" Some food was served and they soon reached Mumbai. They stayed in a hotel near the airport until their flight the next evening. They dared not go far for they didn't want to miss the flight. They kept all their tickets, passports, and other papers ready for the trip as it grew towards evening the next day. They both had a little tummy problems due to the nerves as the time grew nearer, but dared not admit it.

They checked-in again, the line was very long, and many foreigners were there too. Rohini stared. She asked Hareesh "Which one of them is a movie star? I always hear that people see movie stars in the airport." Hareesh laughed and said, "These are all common people like you and I. Just because they are flyign doesn't mean they are movie stars." He realized his wife was so simple, and cute. He hugged her with his free arm. When they were finally on their seats in the plane, an Indian stewardess came and gave them blankets and asked them if they would have vegetarian or non-vegetarian food for their dinner. They were vegetarians. After the flight took off, Rohini cried looking out the window and the lights of Mumbai, and India vanish into the darkness. Dinner was soon served, and the inflight programs began. They watched a few Hindi movies, and slept.

The flight was long, and soon they were awoken with bright lights. There was an hour to landing, and they had to fill out some forms. Hareesh began filling the forms. They were customs and immigration forms. A stewardess who was American - Caucasian, asked them if they would like breakfast. She offered them Sausages or Bacon. Hareesh looked at Rohini, and he said "We are vegetarian. Is Bacon vegetarian?" The stewardess beckoned for the Indian stewardess, after trying to explain that bacon and sausage were the only options, and both were made of pork, but failed at being clear. The Indian stewardess explained this to them and said they should not eat the meat, but eat the bread, and yogurt instead.

They soon saw the city of New York below them. It looked different from most of the movies, since the twin towers were there no more, however seeing Statue of Liberty and the Empire state building was just as exciting to them. This was the first sight of USA! They soon landed in Newark airport. Their flight to Cleveland, was in an hour and a half. They rushed through customs and immigrations, and looked for their next departure gate in this huge airport, filled with so many people, rushing past them. Everyone seemed so tall. All dressed in long warm woolen coats, as this was January and cold.

The couple happened upon a window, and looked out, it was WHITE! This was their first time seeing snow in real life. They were exhausted but looked at the snow in wonder for a few minutes, then had to go to find their gate. It was at the end of Terminal A, which was a long walk from Terminal C, where they had landed. By this time they were about ready to crash, they didn't have any dollars on him, because the company said they would pick him up from the airport in Cleveland. They couldn't or wouldn't dare to even buy a coffee, or some food. They waited, boarded, and flew up. This plane offered them juice and some crackers, which they ate up quickly.

They landed in Cleveland, and an employee from the company who was also visually Indian, picked them up and drove them to their apartment. The person was named Shawn, he had a strong American accent. He explained to them, he would let them drop of their luggage, and they would go with him to buy furniture and such for their apartment. The apartment had nothing in it. Rohini fell asleep in the back seat, Hareesh talked with Shawn. "What kind of name is Shawn for an Indian guy?" He thought, but he realized there was a lot to be done rather than think about such silly things. As Shawn explained to him, he needed to get furniture, and he would have to slowly pay the company back. They would have to open a bank account for him, driver's license, social security number, lots of paper work, and then eventually put the apartment lease into his name. Hareesh was exhausted by just the thought, plus the travel, jet-lag, and all this overwhelmed him. But this is what he had wanted! "One day at a time", he told himself. "Slow but steady, wins the race. And this is not even a race!"

"You're lucky this is Friday, and you have the whole weekend to work through this. After the furniture store, we will stop by at the office, and you can meet the president. He wants to talk to you and see that you are settled in. A few of us will help you through the weekend. Someone will carpool with you to work till you get your car. Bad news is you have to be at work on Monday at 8am!" Said Shawn in his American accent. Hareesh just thought it was weird that an Indian man spoke like this, but he got used to it.

"I will work, this is what I came here for!" Said Hareesh. Then he thought to himself, "actually maybe work will be the only familiar thing in this unfamiliar land. Chemistry is the same everywhere in the world!"

How far we all have come...

Breathe!

... On My Mind - By Piyali Banerjie

This was written by my sister on October 30th 2008 a few days before Obama was elected. She canvased for him back then and faced so many rude people... I love her so much!

Racism & Other issues in the United States of American, 2008

I moved back to the United States of America in 2002. I had been waiting for that moment all my life spent in India. I was anxiously waiting to come back to MY country finally. The country I was born in. The country I was so proud of. Through reading magazines, newspapers, watching Hollywood movies, listening to the variety of music made in America, and watching the news & media people in other countries learn that ANYTHING and everything is possible in America! Everyone’s dreams can come true in America! Francis Scott key included the phrase “the land of the free, and the home of the brave…” in the national anthem, that we sing with such pride and joy, which grants our citizens freedom.
I was so proud to be apart of a nation that made room for EVERYONE. People from all walks of life: race, ethnic origin, religion, and sexual orientation. To grant these people equal rights and freedom is something that other countries may lack. Living in India exposed me to the lack of freedom and rights given to people who had different beliefs and values than that of society. It was so wrong for a Hindu to marry a Muslim. Woman did not have the kind of support to stand up to an abusive husband, or their rapist. People don’t have too many divorces, and continue to live in their dysfunctional marriages. People are ostracized in their own homes if they ‘come out of the closet’, or police authorities can go to the point of punishing persons for being homosexual. These are a few examples of the lack of freedom that I talk about.
When I moved to the United States, I was happy to see how accepting people are towards other people (externally, they seem to leave others alone and mind their own business). I was happy to see that single mothers have the opportunity to make something of themselves, and give their children equal opportunities that a woman with a husband could. I was happy to see that people care for one another. I was happy to see that a homosexual couple could be seen in public holding hands. I was happy to see people of different colors, nationalities and religions live in harmony.

I witnessed a few different instances of racism, but didn’t think too much of it. But I think I clearly see a miniscule slice of racism in America now that we have a Black man running for President. I did not expect ‘race’ to be an issue, although the last two weeks before Election Day has shown otherwise.
Working for the Obama campaign in medina OH has been really hard, since I hear the ‘N’ word a few times each day. I have often gotten this response: “I am not racist, but I don’t know how good I feel about a BLACK person being our president, he was okay as a Senator though”. Also, the assumption that he is Muslim, or an Arab, or has a “Muslim”/”Arab” name, is both idiotic and sad at the same time. I have many Catholic and other Christian friends from Middle Eastern countries that have “Muslim” first and last names, who are Christian. Never have been MUSLIM, and neither have their Grandparents, or great grandparents or great great grandparents. What does a name mean? Hold? What is in a name?
Also, what if he was a Muslim? So what? What’s wrong with being an Arab? A Muslim? Lets address the Muslim aspect of this first. What about the American-Muslim child who aspires to be the President someday?? Is that not possible, in a country where they preach freedom and equality? On the account of being Arab…people seem to believe that Arabs look a certain way, and are most probably Muslim. Do anti-Muslim Americans know that there are Arab people who are Christian? There are Arabs who look like Caucasians? Also, that not ALL Arab Muslims are religious extremists and follow the words of Syyid Qutb (the man whose ideas would shape Al Qaeda. Please read his book ‘Milestones’ to learn more), or the Al Qaeda doctrines?? (With all due respect to Christians)I often wonder how these people who dislike anything arab would react if their lord’s son Jesus Christ were to descend from the heavens. Would they believe he were the son of god? Would they believe anything he says? Or would they condemn him for looking like an “arab”/”jew”/”israelite”? Because for sure, Jesus Christ was not a white skinned ‘Aryan’, with thin light brown hair. The chances of him having light eyes, let alone blue are quite slim (http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/christ/physical_appearance.htm, http://www.thenazareneway.com/likeness_of_our_saviour.htm, http://www.jesuscentral.com/ji/questions/how/describe_the_physical_appearance_and_generally_how_174.php ) That reminds me, the Ku Klux Klan (the circle clan, founded in TN, 1865), was an all protestant, white cult which had a few leaders who were previously Reverends, who used the lords name to execute hatred, suffering and even death upon anyone who was catholic, black, Jewish and other foreigners. When members of the Klan would burn crosses they would play ‘amazing grace’. What a shame. Now, are these people ignorant? Uneducated? Or correct in what they believe?

The term ‘nigger’ was historically used to describe people of African origin, but also means “an unlearned person”. If these people mentioned above were not ‘unlearned’, then what were they? I do not think that word should be a part of anyone’s vocabulary whether they are white or black. I am very sad to see that people have started using this word again as the election nears (in hatred). I do not think it is right under ANY circumstances. I was called an “N***** lover” last week for supporting Obama by two individuals who claimed that I was too ‘hot’ to support him. They went on to justify how it was okay for them to use the word so loosely. I may not be of African decent, but it does offend me. I do not take racism lightly. When my mother was a little child living in England she was spat on by Skinheads. They told her “Paki, go home!” As a child she didn’t understand, and when she learnt why she was afraid and felt less fortunate for not being ‘white’. That was not the only story that led me to my disappointment.
Isn’t there enough hatred in this world, why hate someone for being another color? Darker people have extra melanin in their skin that ensures protection from the sun as they live closer to the equator. Is that so bad? Can that not be understood?
I would be more understanding of this sort of hatred if racist people were from a third world or a less fortunate country. This is America!! This is a first world country!! This county grants citizen with free or affordable education!! How can educated people think like this?
I am also distraught on how there is a double standard in society. Talking “black” or in ‘Ebonics’ is looked down upon by middle class America. I think that most minorities have to work so hard to gain respect in society. Some examples of these double standards are: Laura Bush talking with a southern accent vs. (if) the Obama’s were to use Black Vernacular or have a “black” accent. Somehow people believe that having a southern accent is more acceptable than speaking in a “black” fashion. Therefore, “ya’ll” and Palin’s famous “you betcha’ (Wink)” is still okay!
Palin’s large family is looked at as “normal” or “average”. Most ‘average Americans’ are NOT known to have five children. Maybe a few years ago, but not today. I wonder if Obama would be considered to be a “typical Black person” had he had five children (?).
Also, if he had a 17year old daughter who was pregnant, would that have been seen as “typically black”? But people seem to be very accepting of Palin’s daughter Bristol’s pregnancy.
How about Cindy McCain’s drug addiction for three years? She lied to doctors, made up fake medical needs for prescriptions to attain pain killers to use it HERSLEF. Where is her penalty? We know that celebrities get lenient sentences,… what if Michelle Obama were to have tricked doctors to get drugs for her own drug addiction, what would middle class America think of that?

I cannot relate to this double standard. I cannot relate to “average Joe” or the “Joe six-pack” talk given by Gov. Sarah Palin. Why are we lowering our standard, the idea of conservativeness & the idea of an average American??? Do most average Americans have pregnant daughters? Do Average Americans believe that an eighteen year old is ready to be a mommy and a wife? Do Average Americans believe that it’s okay for an individual’s grandchild and child be a little over a year apart? Do Average Americans believe that they MUST buy designer clothes to LOOK GOOD?? Do they think that JC penny’s is not good enough? Really???

I’ll tell you what, the day I was informed that Palin made rape victims’ in the state of Alaska pay for their own rape kits, sent a cold chill down my spine. Who would support that?
I will now state why I am supporting Obama, and why I shall NEVER elect neither McCain nor Sarah Palin to office. A VP is a step away from being president, and if anything were to happen to McCain…Sarah Palin is not fit to be president. Also, McCain’s lapse of judgment caused me to question what other decisions he may make to satisfy certain requirements. She could not name ONE newspaper/magazine she reads. She was wrong at stating the JOB DESCRIPTION of the VP position (Chris Matthews, Hardball CNN). She cannot name ONE Supreme Court ruling she disagrees with. What about Plessey v. Fergusson!?!?!? That’s one we all learn in American High school. I went to American high school for a year and a half and learnt at least that much! Running for VP of the country? Sad !! How can we rely on her? It also does not help to know that their partnership in this race is not working out very well, considering that their aides have been having a hard time getting along with one another.

I have felt strongly about Sarah Palin, since she spoke of rape victims and how they must not be able to have an abortion, also they must pay for their own rape kits (about approx. $200). I do not think she shows ANY sort of support to victims, or to their suffering.

I am a rape victim. This had happened to me in 2003, shortly after I had moved back to the US (moved here Nov. 2002). I was a virgin. I was not dating the guy who had taken my virginity against my will. I was too small to fight back (I am 5’2”, and at the time less than 100 lbs). I was brutally raped, beaten, with a gun held to my head, later drugged (after I begged for my life). I was also threatened not to tell anyone. I came home that night thankful to be alive, having the opportunity to see my loved ones maybe for the last time, and to bid them farewell before possibly ending my life, before HE came back. I did not know how to tell my culturally conservative Indian family about what had just happened to me. Also, such incidents are not really heard of in the Indian community. “Sex” is not casually talked about in our culture. I did not know what to do. The many fears in my heart, one of which was possibly getting pregnant urged me to attempt suicide. So I did. The blow dryer gave out, it didn’t work. I lived. The next day, due to my sickened, sad, scared, disturbed state of my mind, I told two friends, which later led to telling higher authorities in the school. My mother was informed. I was taken to the Nord center, Lorain OH (rape crisis center), where the rape kit was performed and I had moral support too. That was a blessing to me. I had hope to live. I was given the day after pill. The evidence was gathered, and I had a victim’s advocate who was there for emotional support.

Now, what would have happened had my parents never found out? I would have probably killed myself, since I did not know about ‘planned parenthood’, the rape crisis center, or anything about the justice system or emergency rooms services, since I hadn’t lived in the United States for that long. I am not ashamed to tell my story. I would never want any woman, or anyone’s wife, mother or child to go through what I have been through. I also speak for many Indian, Arab, Muslim,…,woman from culturally conservative backgrounds. I know of some who have been raped by family members whose parents STILL know nothing about it. Fortunately they have not had to bear the burden of pregnancy since they were raped before puberty. Still that DOES NOT MAKE IT RIGHT OR OKAY.
I don’t think that a rape victim should have to bear the burden of being a mother to a child, if they had not intended to consent to sex. If sex had been enforced on them, there is no need for the victim to give up goals in life to be a mother. I believe that they must have the right to choose. This is one of the most compelling reasons why Republican Sarah Palin, the hockey MOM will not get my vote. Senator McCain has taken a ‘cheap decision” in choosing Sarah Palin without a detailed due diligence and that is certainly WRONG JUDGEMENT. Hence, he will not be getting my vote for President of this great nation. I respect Senator McCain for all the great things he has done in the past, but from the RNC – convention – he has demonstrated wrong judgment in more than one occasions.

I am currently an agnostic. I lost faith, and was an atheist shortly after the incident mentioned above. Sometimes to the point to where it may have reached blasphemy (not in the literal sense, but I hated ‘god’ for not being there for me). I am trying to give the bible a chance since I am dating a lovely boy who has strong faith. Of course, I would ideally like to share the same faith or even a little close. Even if I were to be a Christian someday, I would always leave room for people of other religions. I don’t think it’s all about ME, and what I believe in. I’m sure there are other people who believe that the Koran or the Gita,…etc is the word of god. I am also sure that those people do not seek to be ‘saved’. Therefore, I disagree with the Christian fundamentalists who try to control the governance of this great country. I do understand how these people (with all due respect to Christianity—since not all religious people are the same) can support a war in a foreign country. Defense is different than WAR. Killing living people yet trying to save ‘unborn’ children? Makes no sense. (In no way do I support abortions to be used as a form of contraception; in fact I believe that it is an awful form of concealment, to cover up a mishap. Although I still feel that just because I FEEL it is wrong doesn’t mean that other woman who think different can’t make the choice to support it or have an abortion).

After much research I have come to the conclusion that racism exists, but it is a miniscule population. Even though it is disturbing and disappointing to be still present, I am thankful we have moved forward. More Americans are accepting of different racial, ethnic and religious citizens. I find myself grateful for the movement away from the past of emerging neo-Nazism and KKK groups. (44% of white voters are currently supporting Obama).

Just an observation: the crowd gathered to hear Barack Obama is beautiful, colorful, and full of character. THAT I BELIEVE is AMERICA. Blacks, whites, Hispanics, Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Europeans, Christians, Jews, Jains, Buddhists,…….Sikhs(with turbans), Muslims, homosexuals, the rich, poor, labor unions, celebrities,…. Yes, that’s the AMERICA I want to live in. That’s the America id like to see. That’s the America that has room for EVERYBODY.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

I am not trying to tell anyone that this is the right way to vote. These are just my thoughts on issues lingering on my mind. I just thought I would share them with people, especially since I have voiced my strong opinions on this election on facebook. I respect how people feel, but these are my reasons for voting in this direction.

LONG LIVE – THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA