Diasporic Awakenings: Mobilizing Diaspora Members on Behalf of the Homeland.

In this paper, I investigate the causes of diaspora mobilization within the “host” country, on behalf of the “homeland,” which many diaspora members have never seen and have no plans to return to. These actions are even more puzzling after considering that diasporic mobilization over the “homeland” often results in a negative, often violent, backlash from the “host” population. By understanding the motivations for these actions, I attempt to provide a better understanding of the shift from what could be called an “immigrant mentality” to a “diasporic consciousness,” which requires a stronger attachment to the “homeland” and events happening within, then to day-to-day life in the “host” country. I combine the literatures on diasporas and social movements to argue that diasporic organizations’ framing of events in the homeland, and rhetorical appeals urging members to act on the homeland’s behalf, are essential in mobilizing diaspora members. Specifically, I look at the following cases of mobilization: the Sikh and Hindu populations in London, England, the Chinese population in Vancouver, B.C., and the Mexican population in California, U.S. I also look at one case of non-mobilization: the Italian population in the northeast-United States. I argue that effective frames will emphasize a need to mobilize in language reflecting the host country’s cultural values and ideology. This can be attributed to what has been described as the “dual-natured identities” of diaspora members. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]