Intergenerational Mobilization

Summarize the central argument:

Through a series of in-depth interviews Irene Bolemraad gathers enough information to argue that the process in which immigrant families decide to participate in protests (such as the 2006 immigrant right rallies) could be reversed in a way where the younger members of the household are the ones to influence the parents to mobilize. Bolemraad is able to conclude this by a model called bidirectional political socialization that demonstrate through intergenerational communication and interactions that it’s possible to influence family members to become politically engaged. Participation increases when information is gathered from these sources as well as other networks such as schools, churches work places, and

However everyone experiences a distinct reason for their involvement in mobilizing depending on their generation. Through intergenerational communication family members are able to interconnect sources and networks that are available to them. Adolescents gather what they know through new technology, peer networks, youth organizations while parents hear and learn about different information through their workplace, churches, and ethnic media. Intergenerational mobilization has greater chances of mobilization because of the different inputs and experiences people from different generation are able to provide. These rallies not only represent this community but also carry emotional ties that create strong bonds within each family household and

These new form of mobilization has a dual function that operates affectively and tactically working in favor for those undocumented youth that don’t want to expose themselves to coming out to protest because of the worry that they might get deported. For many youth this new tactic of identifying themselves has not only formed a new form of mobilization but youth also find doing these video therapeutic since they are finally revealing and letting go of their emotions held back from ‘living in the shadows’. I find this new way of using the media a perfect way to protest and have their voices heard however youth are not the only ones hiding in the shadows so are parents, aunts, uncles, and the grandparents of these youth who like their children have stories to share. This method is helping youth open up and feel better but how do we help our family members come out as well? Through the media? I feel that just how the youth have found a way to be heard and grab political attention there should be other ways to share the stories of older