Essay Questions

What is the impact of the political conflict in Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1970s?

Political violence that ravaged Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970 left a trail of destruction, loss of lives, and massive displacement of the surviving victims. Sanya and Topper were among the survivors forced to flee the city to seek refuge in Miami. In addition, the political conflict brought the country's economy to its knees. Therefore, the economic hardship that followed the conflict was unimaginable because several people died due to a lack of food and medical care.

Is the United States of America a land of endless opportunities for all people?

The irony of the American dream is prevalent for most immigrants, including Sanya and Topper. Despite the flavor of the term "American Dream," the reality is that an immigrant has to work extra hard to make it in America. Opportunities are scarce for minority groups because preference is given to white Americans. Therefore, the American dream is a fallacy for most immigrants because life in America is not a walk in the park.

Discuss how the narrator builds the theme of racism in the novel If I Survive You.

When Sanya and Topper arrive in Miami, life is not easy, as they had earlier anticipated. The biggest challenge that the couple had to put up with was racism. Sanya was repeatedly reminded by the white people to return to Africa because of her dark skin. In addition, getting a reasonable job for the couple was very hard due to systematic discrimination against Black people.