Power of the youth. Bindi V. Shah

In the reading written by Bindi V. Shah, we hear about the political complications and neglected treatment of Laotian people. But more importantly, we hear about how some young women attempt to challenge the conditions and call for better conditions. It is interesting how much emphasis this article has on the children of immigrants, those who are second and third generations more specifically. Those children are in a unique position where they act as a bridge between the two cultures: their parents native culture and the culture of the place they immigrated to. Often immigrants attempt to assimilate into the immigrated culture to help better their ability to function a different society. Although not as apparent in today’s culture, conditions such as education and politics indirectly forced immigrants to accept American culture. Those who did not were often at a disadvantage in many aspects and treated differently than those that adhere to the current culture. The children can experience aspects of both cultures and are usually not limited to cultural barriers such as language and understanding. They have a unique choice to completely assimilate, hold on to their roots, or forge a hybridity of the culture. In the text, the girls attempt to oppose authority and systems. These girls are attempting to build a transnational identity. Through the organizations stated in the article, communities can form that allow for students to bring their own cultural identity to attention and cross cultures with other. The children are able to use their cultural identity and oppose the hegemony many immigrants are left with.