Speaking Out

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Speaking Out

Writings on the wall
Writing on the barrack walls

The experience immigrants had to endure was not only part of history, but it also affected their lives and the generations ahead. Poems were permanently etched on the barracks inside the buildings describing their turmoil and regret for the immigration. The way some words are used can help determine the psychological point of view of many. People often did not speak of their pain and sadness while detained, but the words they used in the poems reflected what occupied their minds. Current immigrants have also responded to the poems and shared their thoughts. They shared their feelings on how America once was and how it has now matured. As the walls weep from the words and memories those thirty years have captured, no one will be able to forget the impact it caused on their lives and their family, as well as American history.

Click on the links to proceed into each topic:

Poems: Examples of poems written by detainees on Angel Island, presented in both English and Chinese

Response: Responses to the poems from various emmigrants to the United States

Psychological: Discusses some of the major psyhological themes and influences shown in the poems