I'm sure that everyone here is happy with the contribution LEGAL immigrants have made, but are not as happy about the contribution ILLEGAL immigrants have made. So it will be interesting to see if you make a distinction between the two.
Oh, I forgot.....there is no distinction between the two in some peoples mind.
So can we expect some clarity here?
If I'm around I would like to go, as I like the immigrants that are really trying hard to make it here. Just having a had time with the illegal part of it always being thrown in our faces, and them being shown as making a life here while sidestepping our laws to do it.
Imagine presenting a big time drug dealer as someone who made it in America....
We would agree with his entrepreneurship, but might question how he got there.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Where is it?

I'm sorry, I thought the picture would be bigger. At the Framingham Library at 6 pm on Thursday July 19th- or thats the opening reception, the exhibit will be up longer.

Photography speaks the language of universality.
It wouldn't matter who took these photos but I just wish there wasn't a label attached as to WHO the type of people these pictures were made by.

You people make a big deal about labels, well this is one where YOU use it to your advantage. The person is an "immigrant" thus special treatment.

Why can't you just say the persons name and NOT the fact that these people are immigrants? You make it sound like these people are special, they are not, they are just like you or me. The fact that they are "immigrants" does not make it a big deal.

Stop this compartmentalizing of these talented people. So what's next, the person owns an "immigrant" hair saloon. eatery, car lot, cleaning company? Give them business BECAUSE they are an "immigrant"?

Soon it will be a photo show by Martians, their pictures are just "out of this world"

Joe Rizoli

I see nothing wrong with this. If people are allowed to take a small percentage of the group and portray them as evil resource sucking members of society, then why shouldn't one be able to show the other side? It would seem someone having issue with this exhibit or format has no right to bitch on the other side. Fair is fair.

Matthew, I didn't go into the details of "immigrants" like you did. Oh, by the way, you're way off with your assessment of them being a "small" segment of society. They are not.

They represent a HUGE cabal of learned knowledge of how to perpetuate and manipulate a HUGE segment of society to thinking like them, you included.

Obviously by referring to these people as "immigrants" I am assuming they are illegal, and why Kira posted this in the first place. Why such an assessment? Because if they were otherwise they would/should be referred to as Americans.

As to photography I love pictures so no matter who took these pictures I would hope they inspire discussion.
Got to go, I have to go to my "immigrant" manicurist. Then to my "Immigrant" tire dealer.

Joe Rizoli

You're definition of "immigrant" is just wrong. So according to you anyone that is an immigrant is in fact illegal? Wow, i'm glad people with your beliefs didn't exist in earlier days or we wouldn't have the country we do today. I was saying illegal immigrants make up a smaller subsection of gross population than you guys seems to allude to. I know its not perfect and in fact I hate ILLEGAL anything.. but to just lump everyone in one group is just biased and serving one agenda. To each their own.

On this specific event, I hope everyone that can makes it out.

http://www.marioquiroz.com is the photographer.

I don't know why we all have to be one thing. I am an immigrant. I am American. I am originally from the former Soviet Union. These are all just facts. Its just like putting an event about "Alaska." Why not just say, "America"? Silly... It is a certain segment of the grand scale that is America. No better or worse than any other, just a focus of this particular event.

Joe, "Obviously by referring to these people as "immigrants" I am assuming they are illegal, and why Kira posted this in the first place" - that just makes no sense. Now you are just saying that there is no such term as "immigrant" and that we should refer to legal immigrants as Americans. Thats painting an apple orange and calling it an orange. You can be both and you are both - like me. A Russian immigrant and an American. I'm not going to explain the difference between "National Origin" and "Country of Citizenship" because I think people are already closing their eyes.

The photographer and subjects will be there so anyone who wants to can certainly ask any questions. Joe, great point about loving photography and inspiring discussion. I agree wholeheartedly.

I think the thing that bothers most people is..... Why say who they are.
They are people showing their art. I personally don't care if they are Russians, Brazilian, Mexican whatever.....but for some reason you have to say they are immigrants....I don't get it, like that is something special.
I think you make issues that wouldn't be made if you just treated everybody equal.
We would have no problem with who they are, and if anything we would be happy to hear whatever it is about them when we met them at the show.
Surprises are good.
In regards to photos.... great way to show creativity with a camera.
Jim@ccfiile.com

When you say "most people" you must be referring to 2 people. I have not had anyone else bring that up. Anyway, there will be music (don't want to specify as to genre, lets just call it music to not offend) and food (again, not specifying type of food, its all just food, right?). :) Hehe. Photography, Music, Food, Discussion, Reflection... can't wait!