Unveiling the Rohingya Experiences
Exploring the Predicament of ‘Identity’ in First, They Erased Our Name: A Rohingya Speaks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70042/eroth/904218Keywords:
Rohingya, narratives, identity, memoir, refugees, forced migrants, dominant discourseAbstract
The global refugee crisis has become one of the most pressing issues of the twenty-first century, with millions of forcibly displaced individuals seeking refuge worldwide. South Asia, in particular, has a significant share in this crisis, hosting a substantial number of forced migrants. The Rohingya ethnic group from Myanmar has been a prominent case, experiencing immense persecution and displacement, leading to their mass exodus out of the country since the early 1970s. This research paper focuses on examining the Rohingya crisis through the lens of personal narratives, specifically analyzing the memoir, First, They Erased Our Name: A Rohingya Speaks by Habiburrahman and Sophie Ansel. By delving into the protagonist’s narrative, the study aims to challenge the dominant discourse presented by official sources and the media, which often overlooks the individual experiences of the displaced Rohingya. By exploring the protagonist’s quest for identity and individuality in the face of societal expectations and integration into Burmese society, the study delves into the complexities of the Rohingya predicament. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crisis, emphasizing the need to amplify personal narratives to challenge dominant narratives perpetuated by the state, host nations, and media.
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