- Acquisition of new identities: A grim story lies behind every political refugee. So do most people believe. African refugees living in Iowa are using such an online opportunity to tell their stories.
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| Pierre (right) with his wife (left) and relative posing for pictures outside their condo in Des Moines. Pierre has bought a new Explorer, and he and his family have managed to forget their grim past in Africa. Asked about his feelings to be alive and free in America, Pierre hardly ceases to thank the State of Iowa for giving his family so many opportunities, including a new identity. Pierre is now an American citizen after seven years in USA. |
- Culture and Socialization: When African refugees socialize in Iowa, they are always confronted to a common dilemma: Do we integrate or assimilate? Some of them think that integrating is easier and more practical or realistic than assimilating; some feel that they have nothing to lose, so assimilating is the surest way to gain a new identity, new ways of thinking and living, and better life in Iowa.
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| When they come to America, African refugees are always stunned to find that markets are housed. In most African countries, markets are held in public outside of buildings. To shop in Wal-Mart, for example, is cumbersome to some Africans. |
- Integration or Dream and desillusion? For refugees who have been lawyers, doctors, or academics in their original countries, the American dream seems not to mean anything to them as long as language barriers, cultural differences, and education programs differences make impossible, if not hard, for them to exercize their professions in America. Ironically, those refugees with little knowledge or no knowledge at all are the happiest in Iowa because local warehouses, factories and farms employ them to do works that American citizens don't like doing.
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| (From left to right) Bienvenu, John, Alphonse (the webmaster), and Mabikulu. All these refugees had degrees from African colleges before they came to USA. In Iowa, they have to go back to college to learm new trades. Many African intellectuals are frustrated that their education is not taken into account when they integrate in America. |
- Refugees' forum: This is a blog where African refugees meet and discuss issues affecting them in Iowa or in Africa.
- You can also click on MY RESUME to learn more about the webmaster and editor of this website.
- An African MAP flashing countries where most refugees living in Iowa come from is attached to this website.
This site is the creation of ALPHONSE MUHARE. His resume can be accessed by clicking on his name.
Fall 2006 @ the UI Journalism school |
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