The poems I read that were selected to represent the struggles of Chinese immigrants were immensely moving. The writer is crying out against the injustice of the American government and hypocrisy of the system. I love the lines "Even while they are tyrannical, they still claim to be humanitarian." This line struck a chord with me as it shows how those who commit acts of evil still enjoy maintaining the appearance of good. All of us as humans are guilty of this to an extent. I recognize in myself often times a refusal to own up to wrong things I have done, wrong ways I treat or even think about others. I enjoy thinking about myself as a good person when in reality I know I am not.
This poem also made me think about the helplessness of the Chinese people and immigrants in general. It displayed the trust that these immigrants placed in the American government and then reality of how the government treated these people who were so thrilled to join this country. I think it also demonstrates the humanity of all people and is warning not idealize any body of people. While America did and still does hold many opportunities in terms of education and success, this does not mean it is free from selfish individuals who will hurt anyone in order to get what they want. In fact, it is full of these individuals.
Question: What are your thoughts in response to the ones I have shared? Do you agree? Did the poem evoke any other thoughts for you similar or in opposition to mine?
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