Usually when someone thinks of migration, they think of birds and the elderly and how both of them return home after the winter season. However, migration can also be defined as people moving to a new area to find work or better living conditions. This was the case for the Joad family and the rest of the farmers who were forced off their lands in The Grapes of Wrath. It's hard to put yourself in the shoes of a refugee, but coming from someone who has moved frequently, I can understand that change is like a double-edged sword. It gives you the ability to carve your own path, but others may put you down when you try to improve yourself. The Joad family faced many obstacles from the environment and local inhabitants, but they also bonded with other individuals who were in the same predicament.
Many individuals who are displaced due to climate or conflicts tend to migrate a short distance in order to find a better opportunity. Turkey has allowed the most refugees into the country for the fourth consecutive year. To me, this makes sense because it is similar to asking a neighbor for help and usually a kind neighbor steps in and lends a hand. Also, they don't have to travel too far. Traveling costs money and that was evident in The Grapes of Wrath when the Joad family saved up $1,000 to travel across country in hopes to find a job. However, just like the Joad family arriving in California, the Syrian people have faced hardships from local authorities. The Syrian refugees were promised citizenship and free healthcare, but many of them fear they made be told to leave Turkey--a country many of the refugees call home. This is similar to the Joad family who was promised jobs out west, so they migrated to a new state to find asylum in a foreign territory. Unlike the Syrian refugees in Turkey, the Joad family was not met kindly by local inhabitants.
One of the most fascinating things in The Grapes of Wrath was how other climate refugees bonded together like a family. Many times they would stop on the road and camp with other individuals who were migrating as well. I was curious as to how some Syrian refugees may bond together in similar hardships, and I found an article about a Syrian refugee who had started a business in Florida for other woman from Syria to cater Arabic food. The article went on to discuss how these women were provided jobs to help provide for their families, and they were given the opportunity to share experiences with others who were in similar situations. It kind of reminded me of the true meaning of Thanksgiving; people sharing stories, experiences, and spreading love all while cooking and eating delicious cuisine. In the future, I hope we can take that approach and unite migrants by appreciating each other and opening avenues to unite cultures.
