The American African
Stories of West-African students navigating American culture
Faculty Lead:
Ben Jacobson
Class:
Intro to Observing Users
Project Team:
Jessica Nelson
Jiani Sapathy
“As researchers who have had similar experiences, perhaps we should have anticipated how much people wanted to talk about this. Participants in group sessions seemed to find comfort in realizing that others had had similar experiences.
We imagine that some of the experiences and emotions that West African students feel may be common to other African and international students. We are curious about what this identity transition means for West Africans who go back home.”
As Ghanaians living in the U.S., we frequently have conversations about cultural differences between the two countries. We have become increasingly fascinated by how similar our experiences are, yet how different our own respective methods for navigating these challenges can be. This curiosity led us to study how other West-Africans integrate into American culture. As participant-researchers, we interviewed several West African students at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Our questions about adjusting and acclimating soon led to deeper questions about identity and building community.
Results of the study are expressed in the form of concept sketches for an imagined exhibition. It would traverse these two main themes:
Community among people with similar experiences - including other immigrants and minorities.
Empathy among those who do not share this experience.
The title of the exhibition is drawn directly from one of our research participants. He said: "I'm not sure [what I am]; I think I'm an American-African."
SOCIETAL CONTEXT: Society works in completely opposite ways in the United States and West Africa. In the US, the concept of time and schedules, going though certain government processes, and navigating locations are more stringent, unforgiving, and reliable. Whereas in West Africa, these concepts more are fluid, relational, and unreliable.
PRESENTATION OF SELF: Fashion in the US is largely influenced by weather. West-African traditional outfits are tailor-made, vibrant in color, and tribally expressive. To dress up in the US means to be subtle and neutral. Occasionally, and as the weather permits, the true West-African representation springs out of the box.
CODE-SWITCHING: We are defining it as the act of changing your language, accent or mannerisms, depending on who you are talking to. Initially, your brain is learning to switch between “modes”. It gets easy, but there are several tongue-tie moments.
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM: Generally speaking, the experience of going through school in West-Africa involves memorizing large amounts of information and dealing with teachers who do not sufficiently engage students. It is a stark contrast to “office hours” and the willingness of professors in the US to each out to and help students.
THE BALANCING ACT: Moving to the US is less about integrating into a new culture and more about an identity change. Aspects of identity change can be, but are not always conscious. There is a constant balancing act between representing where you grew up and where you currently live, especially when the cultures push and pull you in different directions.