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The Pros And Cons Of Migration

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1. Why do people migrate from Tonga? Tongan people migrate to the West to provide remittance and as they say “big” or “high” to their families. In the early years of interaction with the West only chiefly people were able to travel overseas and experience the outside world, interact with foreigners and afford to purchase imported goods. This brought an allure to things associated with being Western. How has this changed over time? The author states that “One of the first commoners to leave ‘Olunga for overseas – Fa – went to Fiji in the early 1950s. He came back what they referred to as high.” Which is trying to be big, “to be bigger than Tonga” (47). Modern transportation and communication developed during the 60s and 70s gave commoners …show more content…

and in what ways? One of the things that surprised me the most was as the author states, “Migration was not a rejection of Tongan traditional ways because, as you have seen, a “traditional” way of life was no longer really possible.” (47) Many people who migrate to the West are looking to escape poverty, harsh political or religious conflicts the Tongan migrant is atypical to this traditional assumption. The Tongan people live peaceful lives and while most are not wealthy they do not go without food, shelter or fellowship. 2. Analyze this quote by Cathy Small: “Leaving the village might become the best way to fulfill a Tongan life” (pg 43). What does quote …show more content…

One of the traditions that comes to mind is how we have changed home and business ownership. People in America used to own farms or small businesses which were passed down to future generations to run. Families would work together and continue to provide for each other in an extended family. In the modern world it is much more uncommon for people to live in the same family home that they grew up in or for them to continue on working in the same line of business as their parents. It is much more common for people move out of their parents homes at a young age and pursue their own occupations. 4. What is the most interesting or surprising thing you have learned from this book so far? Explain why it is interesting to you. If you could do further research on this topic, what would you do? I have enjoyed reading the book so far. The history of the Tongan people is interesting. I found their interaction with the Americans during World War II to be the most surprising. It is great to hear that they had such a favorable experience with the American soldiers and that they remember the encounter fondly. World War II is an epic topic to study and it would be interesting to learn more about the battles and invasions that took place in the region. 5. Question to the

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