Immigrant Stories

WHAT WE KEEP: THE OBJECTS OF IMMIGRANTS TO AMERICA

Many of us have keepsake items that are special to us. But objects identified by those who have immigrated often represent a life that has had some type of disruption in moving from their native land to reside in another country. It calls for a level of emotional fortitude to reestablish oneself logistically and culturally. The keepsake objects of immigrants are not just tangible thingamajigs, they are physical symbols that connect to their heartfelt memories. Some objects might represent an immigrant’s family heritage; other objects might symbolize a future filled with hope living in America.

Immigrants have encountered confining stereotypes defined by others that place them in an us-versus-them position. We have an opportunity to move away from a monolithic, either-this-or-that perspective, and toward a both-this-and-that mindset to celebrate all of the good things that diversity has to offer. By focusing on the stories from keepsake objects related to their lives, we can find some commonalities and see immigrants, not as visitors, but as neighbors.