Fabrics and the Syrian Immigrant Experience
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In Gualtieri’s exploration of Syrian migration to North America, she highlights how the movement was driven by both economic struggles and the search for a better life. One of the key strategies Syrians used to survive in their new environment was the sale of goods, particularly fabrics. These goods didn’t just provide an income—they allowed Syrians to create an identity for themselves in a new and sometimes hostile environment. By selling these fabrics, Syrians were able to integrate into the broader economy while also holding on to aspects of their culture that set them apart as exotic and valuable in the eyes of the American public (Gualtieri, 33). This reflects how commodities could be used as tools for both survival and cultural expression.
Curtis’ research offers another perspective on how Syrians navigated their new lives, especially in the context of Michigan City. Here, the community’s survival was closely tied to economic opportunities, and the sale of goods like fabrics provided a means of financial stability. By participating in this economic activity, Syrians were not only able to sustain themselves but also carve out a place for themselves within the social fabric of the city (Curtis, 90). The act of selling these goods helped them establish a sense of identity and belonging, especially in a community that often saw them as outsiders, based on both their race and religion.
Both Gualtieri and Curtis show that Syrians weren’t just surviving—they were actively shaping their position within their new societies. Selling items like fabrics allowed them to engage with the local economy while maintaining their cultural connections. It also played a major role in how Syrians were perceived. Some saw them as a threat, while others viewed them as interesting newcomers with cultural value. In this way, commodities like fabrics became central to how Syrians managed to survive, build their identities, and navigate the challenges of being newcomers in a foreign land.