With globalization has also come a monumental shift in the flow of people across borders. Immigration is born out of a variety of reasons and visions, and its reputation has changed and shifted based off of each individual country and their tolerance for immigration. However, immigration and globalization are greatly impacted by one's race, identity, nationality, and resources. Race as a social construct has been an extremely powerful in affecting one's mobility and acceptance worldwide. Especially in countries where race and ethnicity/identity are closely tied, the discrimination against people of color has created immense injustice, specifically in regards to a person's mobility. Unless one is of a minority, rarely any thought has to be given to their mobility, especially as an American citizen.

            Fanon argues that race is historically situated, culturally maintained, and ontologically embedded. Kane’s critique can be summed up in his statement, “I conclude by suggesting that theories of globalization must include processes of racialization in order to be transformative” (Kane, 2007: 354). Fanon works through the history of decolonization and illustrates how “the (wealthy, white) colonizer exists only through his relationship with the (poor, dark) colonized” (Fanon, 2004:2). While Fanon does not incorporate gender and sexuality into his theories, he does provide a frame of reference to incorporate intersectionality into processes of racialization and globalization. Fanon argues that even though privileged classes and sections of people still exist and may continue to exist for a long time yet, it is absolutely possible for these privileged citizens to make a conscious effort to become more enlightened, more socially responsible, and stronger advocates for the oppressed. The end goal must be to break down the “binaries of an oppressor-oppressed world” (Freire, 1981).  The rising generations have to begin to take ownership and action of making changes to the system, although it may be difficult to decide where to start.

I was most struck by reflecting on my own experience studying abroad and how easily my passport got me from one country to another, without a single thought. In one particular example, I was able to sneak onto a 5-star resort's beach while visiting an island off of the coast of Vietnam. As a white woman, I was not given a single thought as to my right belonging there, and the thought to be even questioned as to whether or not I was supposed to be there would never even be considered by the staff for fear of crossing a white foreigner. While my Vietnamese friends would barely be able to entertain the thought of coming to the U.S. due to the extensive interviewing and slim chances of being chosen to be allowed into the States, I was able to enter their country without even a thought. Even as a short-term migrant, I hold so much privilege claiming the United States as my home.