Living in a nice prison

During our last community hub meetup session, we had an interesting discussion about the EVA report and Think Africa’s response to it. We brainstormed on what we as individuals and Think Africa as an entity could do to address such reports that masquerade themselves as research, that get picked up by the Media and get to affect policy. Among the many ideas, one that was most suggested was for us to conduct our own research and publish it. Currently, there is very limited research being done on and with immigrants, particularly those of African descent. Pursuing this will be a worthy cause for sure. During the discussions, one of the things that stayed with us was a comment made by one of the participants. She said

“as an immigrant living in Finland, its like you are in a nice prison, you have access to good food, good housing, good health care, transportation, all the works, but you are not allowed to go out”

We found this analogy so powerful, because it describes the experiences of many immigrants that we have come across. 

You are given everything to satisfy your basic needs and are told that you are free to do anything, but all the big doors of opportunities necessary for one to stretch and be out freely are closed for you. 

There are guards outside, looking carefully so that you do not cross the line. This indirectly means that you cannot go freely outside and be who you want to be, and do what you want to do. 

You are only forced to think that you are free but you know it deep down that you are really not. You look through the windows and hear people outside saying that you are free to do anything and be who you want to be  and that there are all resources for you etc., but in actual fact you are not free. 

If immigrants were that free, the doors and windows would be fully opened and there would be no guards watching all the time. There are levels within this prison and some have to shout even louder through the windows to be heard.

The conversation reminded us that the feeling of being in a prison is not limited to those immigrants who struggle to find employment or opportunities. Even when you do land that job or start that business, you have guards and systems that put bars up to keep you inside, left out, or not advancing.

Thus even though some might look at others as lucky, even those who get the opportunities are just moving into a different cell, but are still in the same prison. Living in that nice prison!

As we commemorate Immigrant Heritage Month this June, we continue with a renewed commitment and hard work looking for ways to be more impactful. Join us on our forthcoming meetup on June 10 where we will choose a theme for our flagship event – Think Africa Week 2021.