Blog #9

Immigration

Between 1880 and 1919 more than 23 million people emigrated to the United States; of these 17 million entered through New York City. The two largest groups during this period were Russian Jews and Italians. Immigration was popular at this time due to the fact that American showed a place where you can be free. Immigrants have come to the United States as political and religious exiles, the impoverished seeking opportunity, the adventuresome in search of a challenge. Immigration posed a difficult challenge for the Jewish, Germans, Irish, Italians, and ect. What better way to depict this difficult struggle but with mice, as seen in An American Tale, and Fievel.
Fievel represents the first generation of immigrants that were born in the Old World yet grow up in America. Young, innocent, unknowing about the hardships of the world, he has to learn the hard way what real life is all about.Sometimes he’s endlessly optimistic, sometimes he gives up way to easily. He comes up with great ideas, but he also makes pretty daft decisions.
Fievel is separated from his family and in his what seems like hopless search he is faced with "cats" and meets new friends of all different cultures.
Although this movie is directed toward young children, a serious message about America's history can be portrayed to a younger viewing group. Not only how immigration was prominent during the 1880s to America but also not giving up. An American Tale, is a classic that will go down in history. Tonight was the first time I have seen this video and I thoroughly enjoyed it.