When it comes to theories regarding integration and immigration, there is always the question about the degree to which an immigrant has become accepted and tolerated in his or her community, whether there is a clash of culture or a harmonious equilibrium. In school, students are often taught the ideas of the “melting pot” or the “salad bowl” to understand the difference of cultures actually living together or being in completely different sections within a community. While the USA are often presented as an example for the “melting pot”-ideal, the reality in many states and cities tells a different story based on aspects like acceptance, but also education, home ownership and class. Hamtramck, a city in the state of Michigan is something of an interesting example, since its population consists mostly of Muslims as a census found out in 2013 and it is also the first US-American city with a Muslim majority in the city council.
“Hamtramck, USA” screened at CAAMFEST Forward
In their documentary “Hamtramck, USA”, directors Justin Feltman and Razi Jafri portray the city, the life of its inhabitants and how their cultures and beliefs come together when it comes to not only everyday life, but also city politics and economy. Starting with the election for major, the documentary takes a look at this interesting example of a city where integration is not just a political phrase, but a fact of life, a rather optimistic tale within a country run by a president who has openly expressed racist ideals and xenophobic thoughts.
Taking the election for major and the members of the city council as a foundation, “Hamtramck, USA” portrays the city through the eyes of their political representatives. While the issues discussed in the film, such as the question of equal rights and home ownership are quite serious, the fact-based way each of the candidates and the other people the filmmakers follow, emphasize an approach which asks how they can live and grow together as a community. The eye of the camera captures the various facets of this community, from the muezzin calling for prayer and to the various festivals celebrating the diversity of the city.
In general, “Hamtramck, USA” describes a counter-image to a society which labels foreign culture as a disadvantage. Because it is a fact of life, dealing with it cannot start with this understanding as a foundation, but has to find a way to address those who have always been here and those who have come from somewhere else. The image of the candidates going from door to door to talk to people about their political belief and the upcoming election is a refreshing change to the images of US-Americans demanding to make their country great again.
“Hamtramck, USA” is a documentary about the melting pot-ideal come to life. Its fact-based approach, showing the facets of this community presents its viewer an image of a different America, where diversity is considered a benefit and a way to enrich everyone's life.
