migrantvoice
Speaking for Ourselves

Marisa Aranda - Changing Lenses

Marisa Aranda - Changing Lenses

MV

 Migrant Voice - Marisa Aranda - Changing Lenses

Migrant - definitions

marisa aranda  changing lenses

 

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

My journey in UK began at Heathrow airport. I was lucky, as sadly many people have to endure dangerous routes to migrate.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Integration - definitions

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses


I see integration as result of the fusion of all our stories, migrants or not, to the point that we become one unique enriched society.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Integration is visible when we cross the same paths and share our sorrows of modern life.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

I am very proud of the diverse spectrum of our economic contribution and how it happens at early stages of integration, breaking massive barriers imposed by the process.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses
 

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Citizenship, powerful result of integration. We can join our voices to fight for common concerns within our communities.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

How can anyone be fully integrated? When there are reminders everywhere that our contribution to society has been underestimated, or worse, forgotten.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

When fatal mistakes expose that segregation has clearly been used to undermine integration.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Prejudice makes my dignity roll down the stairs, leaving space for a lump in my throat. So just to be sure, after a deep breath I need to remind myself again who I am.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Integration is a long and subjective process with lights on and off, hard to follow, as you must meet other people’s expectations as well as your own.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Gives me hope to see kindness placed right next to barriers, showing that love is more powerful than prejudice.

 

marisa aranda  changing lenses

Despite of all this, we must stay positive.
We know the result of our hard-working efforts is a wiser, stronger and happier society.
 

These photos and accompanying writing were made as part of the Changing Lenses; London stories of Integration project. You can listen to my podcast for the project here: https://soundcloud.com/migrant-voice/marisa-aranda

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