The Scene That Stood Out As Meaningful For Me Is When The Bo

The Scene That Stood Out Meaningful For Me Is When The Boys Were Being

The scene that stood out meaningful for me is when the boys were being shown around their new apartment. They were shown what a shower is, they were instructed not to throw things out of the window and how to turn the lights on and off. This scene is meaningful for me because it shows how the boys are welcomed into the new life with new society having new rules and new customs. It is meaningful to understand how the boys are coping up and doing their best to still get rooted to their native culture and provide help to their friends left at the refugee camp. Once the lost boys arrived in the US, the main challenge they faced was learning a culture that was new to them and getting around in the US.

This challenge was not easy for them to overcome because the new culture was different from their culture. It was not easy for them to learn and adapt to the new norms and rules of the new society. They needed more time for this adaptation and acculturation. To overcome this challenge, the lost boys should strategize in assimilation and acculturation. Improvising their English, avoiding to hold hands in public, doing traditional dances, songs, and traditional foods.

For the lost boys to have a smooth transition in the US, they were provided with an aid worker who was important in helping them learn the new things that they didn't know. Through this, they did not have the difficult time in their transition in the US. To better help the lost boys transition to life in the US, there could have been an orientation in the form of education or seminars set up in the camps for the refugees relocating to the US. This could have given the lost boys a clearer picture with more information on where they are going and the new culture they expect to adapt to.

Paper For Above instruction

The adaptation of refugees, particularly young boys, into a new society is a multifaceted process that involves emotional, cultural, and social challenges. The scene where the boys are shown their new apartment exemplifies the initial steps of integration and highlights the importance of the reception process in shaping their overall adjustment. When newcomers arrive in a foreign country, they encounter unfamiliar customs, norms, and lifestyles, which can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate without proper guidance and support.

One of the most significant hurdles faced by refugees is cultural adaptation. The boys’ experience of being introduced to basic amenities such as showers and instructions about household rules reflects the everyday realities they must quickly learn to function independently. Their exposure to new customs, such as not throwing objects out of windows or understanding the operation of household electronics, symbolizes their gradual immersion into American societal norms. This simple act of learning routine activities signifies a broader process of acculturation, whereby refugees attempt to reconcile their native cultural identity with the new societal expectations.

Research indicates that the process of acculturation involves several strategies, including integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization (Berry, 2005). For the boys, adopting elements of the new culture—such as language proficiency, understanding social etiquette, and engaging in traditional dances and foods—can facilitate smoother integration. Language acquisition, in particular, is crucial for effective communication, building relationships, and accessing opportunities within the new society (Chiswick & Miller, 2001). The emphasis on improvising English underscores the importance of language skills in fostering independence and reducing social isolation.

Support systems play a vital role in easing the transition. The aid worker assigned to the boys serves as a bridging figure that provides guidance, reassurance, and assistance in understanding and adapting to new environments. Such mentorship can significantly affect the refugees’ sense of security and belonging, ultimately influencing their emotional well-being and long-term integration (Ager & Strang, 2008). Providing structured orientation programs—such as seminars and educational sessions—can further enhance preparedness, equipping refugees with essential knowledge about their rights, available services, and cultural expectations (UNHCR, 2018).

In addition to individual strategies, community and institutional support are critical. Schools, local organizations, and government agencies should collaborate to design comprehensive orientation initiatives tailored to the needs of refugee children and youth. For example, cultural orientation seminars can include information on local laws, societal customs, and available resources such as language classes and healthcare. This proactive approach creates a supportive environment that encourages refugees to actively participate in their new community and preserves their cultural identity while embracing societal norms.

Moreover, the preservation of native culture and traditions remains vital for refugees’ mental health and sense of identity. Activities such as traditional dances, singing, and preparation of familiar foods serve as cultural anchors that offer comfort and reinforce a sense of belonging amidst a foreign environment (Kuo, 2014). Facilitating opportunities to practice and celebrate their culture can foster community bonding and resilience, which are essential for psychological well-being during the integration process.

In conclusion, successful integration of refugees, exemplified by the boys in the scene, depends on multi-layered support systems and proactive strategies that address cultural, linguistic, and social challenges. Basic orientation and continuous mentorship are instrumental in fostering adaptability and confidence. Recognizing and respecting cultural traditions while providing necessary services and education enables refugees not only to survive but to thrive in their new environment. A comprehensive, empathetic approach is necessary to create truly inclusive communities where refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

References

• Ager, A., & Strang, A. (2008). Understanding integration: A conceptual framework. Journal of Refugee Studies, 21(2), 166-191.
• Berry, J. W. (2005). Acculturation: Living successfully in two cultures. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 29(6), 697-712.
• Chiswick, B. R., & Miller, P. W. (2001). Language skills and the economic spread of immigrants. The Canadian Journal of Economics, 34(2), 415-434.
• Kuo, B. C. (2014). Culture, identity, and mental health: An integrative perspective. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 17(3), 188-198.
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2018). The importance of cultural orientation for refugees. UNHCR Policy Paper.