The Good Immigrant
The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla, published by Unbound in 2017, is a collection of essays that delves into the experiences of black, Asian, and minority ethnic voices in Britain. Spanning 254 pages, this edition presents a candid exploration of the complexities surrounding immigration, identity, and the societal perceptions of immigrants. Through a series of personal narratives, the book addresses the feelings of being perceived as a threat, the challenges of cultural misrepresentation, and the struggle for acceptance in a society that often marginalizes individuals based on their ethnicity.
Readers will find a diverse range of perspectives that highlight the realities of living as an immigrant in the UK, touching on themes of economic conditions and social science. The essays reflect on the nuanced experiences of those who navigate life as ‘others’ in a country that both relies on their contributions and grapples with their presence. The Good Immigrant invites contemplation on what it means to belong, making it a significant addition to discussions on emigration, immigration, and ethnic studies.
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How does it feel to be constantly regarded as a potential threat, strip-searched at every airport?
Or be told that, as an actress, the part you’re most fitted to play is ‘wife of a terrorist’? How does it feel to have words from your native language misused, misappropriated and used aggressively towards you? How does it feel to hear a child of colour say in a classroom that stories can only be about white people? How does it feel to go ‘home’ to India when your home is really London? What is it like to feel you always have to be an ambassador for your race? How does it feel to always tick ‘Other’?
Bringing together 21 exciting black, Asian and minority ethnic voices emerging in Britain today, The Good Immigrant explores why immigrants come to the UK, why they stay and what it means to be ‘other’ in a country that doesn’t seem to want you, doesn’t truly accept you – however many generations you’ve been here – but still needs you for its diversity monitoring forms.
Inspired by discussion around why society appears to deem people of colour as bad immigrants – job stealers, benefit scroungers, undeserving refugees – until, by winning Olympic races or baking good cakes, or being conscientious doctors, they cross over and become good immigrants, editor Nikesh Shukla has compiled a collection of essays that are poignant, challenging, angry, humorous, heartbreaking, polemic, weary and – most importantly – real.
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