From France to America

March 18th, 2016

Current Unit of Study: Unit 4

French Arena Spectacle Mozart, l'Opera Rock Eyeing Broadway

Synopsis
By popular demand and much anticipation, the cast and crew of the "Mozart l'Opera Rock" troupe are setting their sights on Broadway. The rock opera has become extremely popular in France over the last 3 years, and after the star's hit single, "Tatou Moi" reached America, the show is in high demand to come to Broadway. The Producers, Dove Attia and Albert Cohen are in the process of adapting the French rock opera to fit the criteria of a Broadway show, and so that the American audience will be able to better enjoy the show, as the coordinator of the project states, "When the French write musicals, a lot of their songs are written like pop singles placed contiguous with each each other, while on Broadway it's necessary to have a story line."

Analysis
The famous French rock opera, "Mozart l'Opera Rock" is in the process of getting ready to come to Broadway, and this is all because of the high demand of American audiences and fans. This is the perfect example of popular music, as the producers of the show created it with intentions of the music being sold and performed in front of a large audience, which is exactly what will be happening once it comes to Broadway. By coming to America, the show will also serve as an example of distribution of popular culture, as most of the fans in America discovered the show through the internet and social media, despite the hearth of the trend being overseas.

Link to the original article:
http://www.playbill.com/article/french-arena-spectacle-mozart-lopera-rock-eyeing-broadway-com-198956

Welcoming Migrants and the Economy

March 11th, 2016

Current unit of study: Unit 3

Mark Carney Criticised For Claiming Open-Door Immigration Has Boosted Britain's Economy


Synopsis
The governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, made a claim that the Open-door immigration has boosted Britain's economy when in reality it hasn't made that much of a difference. For making such a big claim as he did, he is receiving criticism. But the open -door immigration has brought other great changes to Britain's economy, such as the expanding diversity and the jobs offered to the incoming migrants. This also shows Britain's tolerance for incoming migrants unlike other European countries.

Analysis
Although the Governor's claim was a bit far - fetched, he did manage to bring something to everyone's attention: The diversity of the working class within Britain. Many other European countries such as Germany, France and Italy show hostile emotions towards incoming migrants, whether they be in the country for reasons such as forced migration  or for economic reasons. Britain and the UK instead show tolerance towards these migrants and welcome them with open arms, even offering them jobs which has in turn helped the economy.

Link to the original article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/eureferendum/12188116/Mark-Carney-criticised-for-claiming-open-door-migration-has-boosted-Britains-economy.html

Changing of migration

March 4th, 2016

Current unit of study: Unit 3

#AcrossBorders: Changing the migration narrative

Synopsis

In 2015, the world saw a massive increase in the number of migrants and the increase of mobility. But why is this? Most of the migrants moving from one country to another were forced out of their homes due to the current issues in Syria, and others are moving for economically related issues. Despite these valid intentions to make a move, they are shown much hostility regardless of their backgrounds. This is why researches are beginning to conduct different studies as to how to get the incoming migrants all around the world to start off on the right foot, and shed a more positive light on them.

Analysis

Due to serious crisis such as the Syrian civil war and the take over of ISIS, the world has recently seen an alarming increase in the process of mobility and migration not only in America, but around the world. Although most of the people making the move are products of forced migration due to the life threatening environments back in their homes, no one seems to show them sympathy. Instead, the world shows aversion and hostility towards these poor people. Recently, researchers have begun investigating how to properly help the migrants to regain their normal lives without giving everything to them on a silver platter.

Link to original article:

https://www.devex.com/news/acrossborders-changing-the-migration-narrative-87756

Migrants and Europe

February 26, 2016

Current Unit of Study: Unit 3




Synopsis
With the crisis involving Europe and the huge influx of migrants, much of Europe's youth are beginning to become hateful and intolerant to these migrants. The majority of them come from Lebanon, Syria and Iraq due to the many issues these countries have been facing. Although many of the countries such as Germany had been welcoming towards these people, ideas have shifted. A group called the youth of Europe who originally welcomed migrants have now become hostile, fearing for the loss of European culture and identity.  

Analysis
It has always been common for European countries to be resistant towards welcoming others into their countries and accepting their culture, but recently this has gotten worse. Because of the huge numbers of migrants entering the countries due to the unfortunate cause of forced migration, many people including the Youth of Europe are protesting the arrival of any more migrants.

Link to the original article:
http://www.voanews.com/content/european-young-turn-against-immigration/3161406.html

Illegal Immigration Is Not The Only Problem - Visas Are Too

February 5th 2016

Current unit of study: Unit 3



Synopsis:

After the terror attack on 9/11 and and San Bernardino in California, the topic of addressing legal immigration is far more critical to our national security. Along with this comes the major issue of immigration. Although many Americans are wishing for tighter border patrol, this isn't the only issue. Visas are now contributing to the problem as well, as the government has shortcomings on the way they do background checks. The process of screening or vetting for foreigners applying for immigration visas is flawed, meaning more of the religiously radicalized and others with ill-willed intentions can make it easily in and decide to stay for long periods of time if not, forever.

Analysis:

Due to the pressing topic of illegal immigration, many Americans are beginning to develop strong ideas and beliefs regarding the situation, when in reality there is one related issue just as prominent: Visas. Of course there are many different kinds of visas ranging from student visas to religious visas, but are they being used properly? No. Because of the flawed process undergone through screening, more and more  immigrants are beginning to abuse the privilege of the visa. Workers who come her for their jobs use these visas to  bring their families over. Not only does this contribute to brain drain,  but also the process of unauthorized immigration.

Current Event 11: Syrian Family in America

January 8th, 2016

Current unit of Study: Unit 3

How One Syrian Family Is Making Its Home In America 


Synopsis

Mohammed Darbi, father of the Darbi family, is one of many Syrian refugees. He decided to make the move to America after evaluating what was best for his family, and knew that his status as a refugee would keep him safe once he entered the country. Now living with his beloved family in New Jersey, he works  an overnight shift at an Egyptian bakery. After a few months of financial aid from the government, things were going steady for his family until the support became to little to depend on, leaving him desperate for better work as his family struggles to meet demands. At the same time, the Darbis are trying hard to shed a good light on their name, as many Americans look down upon refugees. Unfortunately around the time Mohammed went looking for a job, the attacks on Paris had just been carried out. This made it even more difficult for him to get a job, as the whole hysteria of Syrian refugees being members of Isis was going around. Thankfully the family was able to seek financial assistance from the Refugee settlement who now provides the family with food. With Mohammed still working his night shift and the new financial aid, he and his family are committed to showing what the Muslim religion is really about.

Analysis

Reading this article reminded me of what we have been talking about in class, migration, immigration and emigration. Mohammed and his family are the perfect examples of immigrants, and even better example of products of forced migration. Reasons for forced migration include natural disaster, civil unrest/ human made disaster, economic problems, health care and better education. The most applicable reasons for the Darbi family are the civil unrest and human made disaster. Had they decided to stay in Syria, they most likely would be dead. Being refugees and choosing to immigrate to America, they came to seek a better life for them and their children.

Link to the original article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/syrian-family-in-america-darbi_566b28cfe4b0f290e5231495