The Good Immigrant

Synopsis

Part of the Blackwell's Five Foot Bookshelf.
70 books, one life-changing collection.

View the Five Foot Bookshelf collection.

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How does it feel to be constantly regarded as a potential threat, strip-searched at every airport?

Or be told that, as an actress, the part you're most fitted to play is 'wife of a terrorist'? How does it feel to have words from your native language misused, misappropriated and used aggressively towards you? How does it feel to hear a child of colour say in a classroom that stories can only be about white people? How does it feel to go 'home' to India when your home is really London? What is it like to feel you always have to be an ambassador for your race? How does it feel to always tick 'Other'?

Bringing together 21 exciting black, Asian and minority ethnic voices emerging in Britain today, The Good Immigrant explores why immigrants come to the UK, why they stay and what it means to be 'other' in a country that doesn't seem to want you, doesn't truly accept you - however many generations you've been here - but still needs you for its diversity monitoring forms.

Inspired by discussion around why society appears to deem people of colour as bad immigrants - job stealers, benefit scroungers, undeserving refugees - until, by winning Olympic races or baking good cakes, or being conscientious doctors, they cross over and become good immigrants, editor Nikesh Shukla has compiled a collection of essays that are poignant, challenging, angry, humorous, heartbreaking, polemic, weary and - most importantly - real.

About the Publisher

Unbound

Unbound was founded by three writers: Dan Kieran, Justin Pollard & John Mitchinson. We think people who love books ? primarily readers and writers ? deserve a say in what does or doesn't get published. You may not be aware of it, but even best selling authors are beginning to have very restrictive parameters imposed on the kinds of books they get to write. Put simply, there are lots of potentially great books we're not getting the opportunity to read.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Price of Belonging

* Explores the expectations and pressures faced by immigrants to prove their worth in their new country.
* Example: A young Chinese immigrant named Lily is determined to overachieve academically to meet the expectations of her parents and society.

Chapter 2: The Model Minority

* Examines the myth of the model minority and the stereotypes associated with Asian immigrants as hardworking, successful, and obedient.
* Example: A Korean-American doctor named David struggles with the pressure to represent the entire Asian community and conform to unrealistic expectations.

Chapter 3: The Invisible Man

* Discusses the ways in which non-white immigrants are rendered invisible and dehumanized by society.
* Example: A undocumented Mexican immigrant named Juan lives in constant fear of being deported and is unable to fully participate in American society.

Chapter 4: The Angry Immigrant

* Explores the anger and resentment felt by immigrants who experience discrimination and exclusion.
* Example: A Palestinian-American woman named Muna speaks out against the racism and Islamophobia she faces in her workplace.

Chapter 5: The Divided City

* Examines the ways in which immigration policies and practices divide cities and create unequal access to resources.
* Example: A Bangladeshi immigrant named Salma lives in a low-income neighborhood with limited access to healthcare and education.

Chapter 6: The Sanctuary

* Explores the role of sanctuary cities and organizations in providing protection and support to undocumented immigrants.
* Example: A church in Philadelphia offers sanctuary to undocumented immigrants who are facing deportation.

Chapter 7: The Future of Immigration

* Proposes a more just and equitable immigration system that recognizes the contributions of immigrants and values their humanity.
* Example: Advocates for policies that provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and end family separation at the border.

Additional Thoughts on the Book:

* The Good Immigrant is a powerful and moving account of the experiences and struggles of immigrants in America.
* It challenges stereotypes and provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of immigration.
* The book calls for a more empathetic and compassionate society that welcomes and respects all immigrants.