In this week’s episode, “Just Assimilate,” we will compare and contrast the story of two immigrants living in Harrisonburg at different times. We also make connections to work by Nicole Chung and an interview with Thu Huynh. This podcast episode features discussions of topics such as food availability, diversity, racial tension and discrimination.
Interviewee Biographies:
Mikey Riesenberg
- Mikey Riesenberg is an adopted immigrant from South Korea who has lived in Harrisonburg, Virginia for his entire life. He graduated from James Madison University in 2009 where he studied History. Currently, he runs a Korean inspired restaurant in downtown Harrisonburg.
Thu Huynh
- Thu Huynh is a Vietnamese Immigrant who came to America in 1988 to flee from the harsh economic conditions and oppressive government in Vietnam. She followed her brother, who was already living in the US, to Harrisonburg, VA.
References:
- Chung, N. “Just Assimilate Her into Your Family and Everything Will Be Fine…”. 1 Oct. 2018, https://longreads.com/2018/10/02/just-assimilate-her-into-your-family-and-everything-will-be-fine/
- Keppel, P. “Inside the Kitchen with Chef Mikey Reisenberg of Mashita”. 15 December, 2020, https://blog.virginia.org/2020/12/inside-the-kitchen-mashita/
- Cheng, K & Perez, K. “Mashita, the Korean Food Truck, Opens Downtown Storefront.” The Breeze, 24 Oct. 2019, https://www.breezejmu.org/culture/mashita-the-korean-food-truck-opens-downtown-storefront/article_66e8076e-f5aa-11e9-9b1d-0760a6327d38.html
- Mitchell, K. “Mashita.” i Love My Burg., 10 Feb. 2020, https://ilovemyburg.com/tag/mashita/
- Thu Huynh (Am Thu Kieru Huynh), interviewed by Theresa Staropoli, March 17, 1993, 8-8. Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University.
Music:
- “Affection.” Royalty Free Stock Audio, Special Effects and More, www.audioblocks.com/stock-audio/affection-bxz2g2oz8k69tat9h.html.
- “We Are Millenials.” Royalty Free Stock Audio, Special Effects and More, www.audioblocks.com/stock-audio/we-are-millenials-hb4f1xgf_0hk4brm9cq.html.
Producers:
- Sarah Hann: Audio Editor
- Hannah Meeks: Host
- Amber Reid: Content Editor
- Patrick Mullaney: Interviewer
