Roya Hakakian on A Beginner's Guide to America

Apr 26, 2021

In this conversation, Roya Hakakian, an author and poet who immigrated from Iran, shares her heartfelt journey to America. She reflects on the bittersweet nature of immigration and the emotional complexities tied to identity. Roya highlights the warmth of American customer service as a comforting contrast to her past. The discussion delves into the paradox of comfort and insecurity in U.S. life, the challenges of navigating social justice, and the importance of embracing America's diverse identities, particularly from immigrant perspectives.

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ANECDOTE

Hakakian's Immigration

Roya Hakakian, born and raised in Iran, emigrated to the U.S. at 19 due to the 1979 revolution.
She arrived with limited English, few possessions, and after a year as a refugee.

INSIGHT

Immigrant Patriotism

Immigrants often arrive heartbroken and with negative preconceptions, even about welcoming countries.
Overcoming these challenges fosters gratitude and patriotism in immigrants.

INSIGHT

The Challenge of Home

Leaving home, even under duress, creates a sense of loss and displacement.
Immigrants face significant emotional challenges beyond just physical adjustments.

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A Beginner's Guide to America

For the Immigrant and the Curious

Roya Hakakian

In this book, Roya Hakakian provides a candid and humorous account of the immigrant experience in America. She explores the complexities of American life, discussing topics such as race, love, and consumerism, while offering practical advice for newcomers. The book is divided into two halves, the first focusing on the initial challenges of arrival, and the second delving into deeper cultural and historical contexts.

The city of the yellow devil

Maxim Gorky

Maxim Gorky's "The City of Yellow Devil" offers a critical perspective on New York City, likely reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of an immigrant's experience in a new and unfamiliar environment. The book's title itself suggests a negative or cautionary view of the city, possibly highlighting the challenges and potential dangers faced by newcomers. While specific plot details are unavailable, the title suggests a focus on the darker aspects of urban life, contrasting with the idealized image of America often presented to immigrants. The work likely explores themes of alienation, social inequality, and the struggle for survival in a vast and complex metropolis. The book's impact on Roya Hakakian's perception of America before her arrival underscores the power of pre-conceived notions and the influence of external narratives on shaping expectations.

The Odyssey

Homer

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.