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ABSTRACT KAREN REFUGEES RESETTLED IN AURORA, IL: THEIR IDENTITY, THEIR RESETTLEMENT, THEIR ORAL HISTORIES Karla Findley, MA Department of Anthropology Northern Illinois University, 2017 Judy Ledgerwood, PhD., Director Refugees provide unique subject matter for identity studies because they are not able to continue living in their homeland. Instead, they have been forced to abandon their homes, flee to a different country for safety and, for most, settle in a third country that is usually an ocean away, both physically and culturally. While concepts of identity are often easy to identify and maintain when an individual is surrounded by affirming objects, ideas, and people, what about when the refugee is not supported in this way? This project endeavors to examine both the resettlement process of Karen refugees in Aurora, Illinois, and how they fight to maintain their Karen identity. First, this project seeks to discover the actions, expressions, thoughts, and feelings of Karen identity as perceived by Karen refugees in Aurora. As part of the process of gathering, organizing, and writing down the data, I also hope to give validity to those concepts and encourage the Karen refugees to continue valuing them and handing them down to the next generation despite their new circumstances and surroundings. Secondly, in light of the background literature I reviewed in preparation for this project, I hope to provide accurate data on how these Karen people perceive their history, contemporary identity, and resettlement process, and contribute to the literature on the Karen. Thirdly, this thesis provides the foundational information that will result in a museum exhibit in partnership with the NIU Art Museum and the Center for Burma Studies focusing on Karen refugees’ life histories. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY DE KALB, ILLINOIS AUGUST 2017 KAREN REFUGEES RESETTLED IN AURORA, IL: THEIR IDENTITY, THEIR RESETTLEMENT, THEIR ORAL HISTORIES BY KARLA FINDLEY ©2017 Karla Findley A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY Thesis Director: Judy Ledgerwood, Ph.D. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project would not have been possible without the enthusiasm of the Karen refugee community in Aurora, Illinois. The grace with which they have endured their lives is an inspiration to me. On many occasions, I have lamented “Why them and not me?” By comparison, I have endured so little. I feel underequipped to help tell their story, yet they have entrusted it to me. While I have been completing this thesis, the active daily role I had previously played in my Karen friends’ lives, and they in mine, was reduced out of necessity. While I developed a deeper academic understanding of their history and their experiences, I have missed the additional time with my friends. The worldwide Karen community has also welcomed me with open arms and hearts. Angelene and Dominic have provided enriching friendship and family ties, as well as valuable connections that allowed my time in Burma to be enjoyable and informative. I do not feel comfortable listing individuals here, but I look forward to seeing them again soon. It is not easy for a person over twenty years removed from undergraduate studies, a mother of three teenagers, the wife of a traveling corporate employee, and an active community advocate to return to graduate school. Yet, I did. I could not have done so without the help and continual support of my advisors, professors, and fellow students. Dr. Ledgerwood and Dr. Raymond have shared their infinite knowledge while assisting, prodding, and encouraging me to be the best student I can be. Dr. Schuller, the other member of my committee, provided insight and challenging discussion. Dr. Molnar provided support and resources beyond the classroom. iii Rachel and Rachelle, my fellow students and friends, shared this journey and cheered me on when I was the most discouraged. They understood my passion, introduced me to the musical Hamilton, and understood the connection between the two. Their gift of a bracelet with the words Who Tells Your Story is a treasure from friends who “get” me. I am extremely grateful to Carmin, Markie, and Amanda, my fellow Burma Studies students, for their weekly conversation and fun. In addition, John, my friend and fellow student from whom I could not be more different, was the one person who constantly challenged my analysis and conclusions. Our long discussions over the course of three years required much from me and continually forced me to reassess my thoughts. For that, I am eternally grateful. Of course, my husband and children deserve more credit than I do. Each of them sacrificed on my behalf for me to realize my goal of telling the Karen refugees’ story and obtaining a Master’s degree. There is not enough space here to express my gratitude adequately. Instead, I will say: Scott, Dylan, Daryn, and Darby, Thank you! I love you! DEDICATION To my father-in-law, Clarence Findley, who passed away before this thesis was complete, but who never ceased encouraging me, even in his final days. To Mista, who would have been proud of her friend. TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures......................................................................................................................................... viii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Theoretical Framework and Literature Review .......................................................................... 8 Identity and Material Culture ............................................................................................................................... 8 Diaspora, Cyberspace and Networks ................................................................................................................. 13 Refugee, Camps, Confinement, and Fear ........................................................................................................... 16 Refugees in the United States ................................................................................................... 23 Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 26 Overview of Chapters ............................................................................................................... 36 Summary of Findings ................................................................................................................ 37 Chapter 2: Background ................................................................................................................. 43 Karen History ............................................................................................................................ 43 What’s in a Name? ............................................................................................................................................. 43 Karen as Savages – Pre-American Contact Era (pre-1828) ............................................................................... 44 Karen as Converts (Christian and Western) – Early Era (1828–1887) .............................................................. 46 Karen as Loyal – Colonial Era (1887–1949) ...................................................................................................... 49 Karen as Rebels – Post-colonial Era (1949–1962) ............................................................................................. 51 Karen as Insurgents – Military Rule Era (1962–1988) ...................................................................................... 52 Karen as Refugees and ‘Other’: 1984–Present Era ............................................................................................ 54 Refugee Resettlement Process in the US .................................................................................. 55 Before Arrival to United States .......................................................................................................................... 55 Upon Arrival in United States ............................................................................................................................ 57 Chapter 3: Not Free to Live: Life in Burma ................................................................................. 59 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 59 Karen Village Background ....................................................................................................... 60 Hill People ......................................................................................................................................................... 60 vi Life in Burma ............................................................................................................................ 63 Daily Life ........................................................................................................................................................... 63 The Presence of Burmese military ..................................................................................................................... 68 Not Free to Live: Living in Fear ........................................................................................................................ 74 Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................
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