In What Ways, If Any, Has Popular Memory Shaped the Development of Immigration Policy In the 20th Century?

The first 200 words of this essay...

IN WHAT WAYS, IF ANY, HAS POPULAR MEMORY SHAPED THE DEVELOPMENT OF IMMIGRATION POLICY IN THE 20TH CENTURY?

This essay will concentrate upon two themes in order to discuss how popular memory has influenced immigration policy, and how immigration policy has influenced popular memory in the 20th century. Primarily, however, there is a need to define what popular memory is. Grimsci suggests that to 'know thyself' involves historical consciousness (Popular memory group, 1982, p. 211). In other words, to know 'our' history is important. In order to 'know thyself' certain 'common sense' ideas surrounding nationhood, citizenship and patriotism are created and impact upon the way in which people view themselves and others around them. These ideas influence immigration policy in different ways at different times throughout history. The term 'nation' in itself is ambiguous. The Oxford Dictionary states the term nation to mean 'people of mainly common descent and history' (2003,p. 407). This definition poses many problems concerning 'hidden' histories. According to the definition, to be a national of a country you have to be a citizen, but if history and common descent are not shared, how can immigrants become part of a nation? The term immigration also changes its