My research question is: How did COVID-19 impact undocumented immigrants in America?
I want my message to cause more awareness and understanding of the unique challenges undocumented immigrants face post-COVID-19. With the motive of unfolding the unfair and degrading measures, they must take in order to survive. While also exposing the real affected here, U.S.-born children of immigrant parents. As well as have a targeting audience of politicians and activists who can reach the governing bodies who dictate the law.
Furthermore, the genres I am considering in delivering my message are op-ed or photo essay. An op-ed would be ideal because I can include my personal connection as long with solutions that will improve this ongoing matter. Most importantly, I can present my opinion and raise awareness on this topic because I have the knowledge and experience. Similarly, a photo essay would be absolute because I can use imagery to inspire emotional appeals. Like the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” I can vividly deliver my message that can be understood despite any language barrier.
My plan for getting started would be to write an outline with my main idea and supporting details and choose a theme on what precisely I will be presenting, whether I will focus on a person’s profile or a narrative of myself. However, some concerns are if I can produce my message to my high expectations in a short time. I am passionate about the topic and want it to be impactful. Lastly, I will use “Pandemics Kills Compassion, Too” by David Brooks or “It’s not Enough: Living Through a Pandemic on $100 a Week” by Annie Correal and Desiree Rios as mentor texts.
I see you are being thoughtful — good thinking. We will talk more in class in groups.
Remember if you choose the photo essay, you will take your own pictures and use those pictures to tell a story. The Annie Correal and Desiree Rios piece is very good. Do you have a story to tell? Whose story would you choose and how would you document their story considering that the height of the pandemic when their story happened has already past. So what kind of pictures would you take now?
Have you looked at the TIme Magazine photo essay? That one has a structure that could be followed with an interview focus. We can talk about it in class.
Dear Prof.Wu,
I received your email and am aware of the photo essay. If I were to choose photo essay I would use the story of someone dealing with post-COVID-19 challenges. That would include financial insecurity, reaching out to a food pantry, dealing with housing evictions and working. My point is to show how they fight this suppression. However, i’m not sure on whether I would expose their identity or keep it anonymous. In sum, I really appreciate your feedback! and keep it in mind.
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-photo-essay-american-west-20140820-htmlstory.html