Reference no: EM133491567

Essay Assignment

Theme Analysis Essay of The Undocumented Americans

The question you'll be addressing is: How does Cornejo Villavicencio highlight and develop a particular theme about 'space' or 'spaces' in her book, The Undocumented Americans, and how does this theme correlate to Nixon's concepts of "slow violence" and "violence as spectacle"?

A theme analysis is an essay that uses specific examples from different parts of a text to show the development of a particular idea that is important to unlocking a meaning or message within the text. Your theme analysis must engage with the development of a chosen theme or a combination of themes to make an original argument about the text and its message Second, you will also give insight into the connection between your chosen theme and Nixon's concepts of "slow violence" and "violence as spectacle". You can integrate his ideas in any way you'd like- interspersed throughout the essay or as part of your conclusion; however, keep in mind that this essay is a theme analysis of Cornejo-Villavicencio's text, and Nixon's concepts are supplemental. You will also give original insight into the value/importance of the theme through a level 3 conclusion.

Choose ANY theme that we talked about in class, or a combination of themes we discussed, or maybe something new that we didn't talk about yet! Here are some ideas I have. Generational trauma, Distrust and Fear, Advocacy + Humanization, Anonymity + Negligence.

This essay will require you to summarize, paraphrase and quote passages that can be used as evidential support in your essay. You'll also provide context, explaining these passages for someone who has never read the book. You'll use all of the writing strategies we've talked about this semester: introduction, thesis, TopSEA, signal phrases, ellipses and brackets, transitions, reverse outlines, quotation sandwiches, paraphrases, etc.

Here is a structure example:

Title: The Development of the Theme of Marginalization in "The Undocumented Americans" and Its Correlation to Nixon's Concepts of "Slow Violence" and "Violence as Spectacle"

How does the theme of marginalization shed light on the systemic barriers undocumented immigrants face?

Introduction:

Introduce the book "The Undocumented Americans" by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Provide a brief overview of the themes of marginalization and ignorance in the narratives
Introduce Rob Nixon's concepts of "slow violence" and "violence as spectacle"

Present the essay question: How does Cornejo Villavicencio highlight and develop the theme of marginalization in her book, and how does this theme correlate to Nixon's concepts of "slow violence" and "violence as spectacle"?

Thesis statement: Through the narratives presented in "The Undocumented Americans," Cornejo Villavicencio explores the theme of marginalization, shedding light on the systemic barriers undocumented immigrants face. This theme correlates with Nixon's concepts of "slow violence" and "violence as spectacle," emphasizing the long-lasting, gradual harm inflicted on marginalized communities and the limited visibility and attention given to their struggles.

A. Marginalization as Isolation / separation and Exclusion / Inaccessibility

Explore the challenges faced by undocumented families in terms of marginalization.

Use examples from the book to illustrate the isolation and exclusion experienced by these communities.

Discuss the limited access to rights and resources, such as healthcare, education, and legal protection.

Highlight the impact of marginalization on future generations and the perpetuation of systemic barriers.

Evidence:

Leonel's decision to go into hiding to avoid deportation (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

Javier's experience of being stopped and excluded from certain rights and Javier's family conditions after him being deported (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

B. Marginalization and Anonymity - forgotten / ignored

Flint

9/11 healthcare/ lack of compensation

The implications of limited access to healthcare for ground zero responders (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

Discuss the anonymization of the undocumented community and its consequences

Explore how the narratives in the book reveal the negligence and indifference towards their struggles

Examine the stereotypes and misconceptions perpetuated by society

Connect the concept of "slow violence" to the long-term, unnoticed harm caused by marginalization

Evidence:

The delayed response to the water crisis in Flint, disregarding the needs of the undocumented population (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

The disregard for the mental health issues faced by undocumented individuals, exemplified by the experiences of Paloma and Milton (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

C. The Intersection of Marginalization and Ignorance

Highlight the pervasive ignorance portrayed in the narratives and its impact on marginalized communities

Discuss the systemic barriers resulting from ignorance, including limited access to resources, rights, and opportunities

Connect the theme of ignorance to Nixon's concept of "violence as spectacle" and the prioritization of immediate, sensationalized events over gradual, enduring harm

Evidence:

The ignorance and neglect shown towards the issues faced by the children of undocumented immigrants, leading to generational trauma (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

The portrayal of Flint residents seeking help from churches due to governmental neglect (Villavicencio, 2020, p. [page number])

Conclusion:

Recap the theme of marginalization and its development in "The Undocumented Americans"

Emphasize the correlation between this theme and Nixon's concepts of "slow violence" and "violence as spectacle"

Highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities

Conclude with a compelling statement about the value and significance of shedding light on the theme of marginalization in order to foster understanding, empathy, and change.