Having Hope (P4)

Jaser Alsharhan
04-01-13
P4

 “It's because people have hope in me.”

I would describe a refugee story as one of a life, torn between two worlds (the limbo effect as others would stipulate). It is one of grasping on tightly to the thing known true and deep while learning to forget about it in the same breath. Unfortunately, for many of the “Lost Boys,” their experiences with the culture of America has inadvertently altered their habits, customs, and daily practices. While they cling to one culture and learn the nature of another, they are truly between two worlds, two realms, two distinct lives.

Mental departures…

There are many reasons for the Lost Boys’ ultimate mental departure from Africa—or the desire to mentally depart. These reasons were highlighted in God Grew Tired of Us when one of the “Lost Boys” recounted why he was in America in the first place: “People have hope in me.” Because John Dau was idolized among the community members of Sudan, he feels that he has purpose in the United States.

A note about the US…

While the Lost Boys talk about America and our idiotic, atomistic ways, the boys cannot dispute that America has given them opportunities to succeed and “stand on their own feet.” People may not be friendly and may be very protective, but the enterprise of America breeds hope, economic sovereignty, and personal longevity. It is only from an acceptance of the idiosyncrasies of America which allows the Lost Boys to assimilate to the “American” way and function as normal citizens, giving them the chance to explore the “American Dream,” attend college, work for a purpose.

A refugee story is different from any other story because it encompasses this Limbo Effect. When listening to a refugee in America, I believe that it is all-important to understand the severity of their situation and the “twice-removed” nature of their identity. First, a person (not a refugee at the time) is forcibly removed from their original residence. The refugee, then, is removed from the refugee camp only come to a foreign land and experience living once again. I equate this shift in one’s perspective to a story about a girl who was born deaf and could hear her voice for the first time:

Sloan Sherman was born deaf and received a hearing implant which allowed her to hear her voice for the first time (if you have not seen it yet, please click on this youtube link which shows the emotional reaction Sherman has to the sound of her own voice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsOo3jzkhYA). This situation can serve as a metaphor for the “Lost Boys” and parallels their collective epiphany to the world outside of persecution and war. For a time, the “Lost Boys” were aware of the world, but had limited sight of a future worth living (similar to Sherman, who faced considerable persecution and ergonomic obstacles). By coming to America, the “Lost Boys” were allowed to ignite their voices, seek justice, hear themselves exclaim that there is “hope” at the end of the dark and tumultuous tunnel.  It is from this recognition of their own voices that the “Lost Boys” can finally pursue happiness in a foreign land while maintaining legitimate connections to their roots in Africa.

It because they have “hope” and others have “hope” that they can ultimately seek true self-contentment and preservation.

“It’s because people have hope in me.”

Peace and Blessings!

Jaser