Nuer Journeys

In his book, Holtzman contends that the Nuer may be the most important case study in the history of anthropology. Holtzman writes that the migration may become a "sort of touchstone in anthropology" (Holtzman 3). The Nuer have become refugees as a result of a bloody civil war in southern Sudan. The migration to the United States seeking political asylum makes them a compelling contemporary case study in the American immigrant experience (Holtzman 2).

Several hundred Nuer now live in Minnesota, and many more reside in other Midwestern cities. The immigrant and refugee population in the United States coming from sub-Saharan Africa has continued to increase since Holtzman published his book. The major wave of resettlement in Minnesota that Holtzman studies began in November of 1994 when the Nuer began to arrive in unprecedented numbers both as primary resettles and as s

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Holtzman's understanding of the Nuer culture and direct interaction with the Nuer people during their transition to life in America makes his analysis of their culture comprehensive and compelling. It is important that readers gain an understanding of the political situation in Sudan if they are to fully comprehend the disruption in Nuer culture and tradition resulting in their decision to leave Sudan. Holtzman is clearly sympathetic to the plight of the Nuer, but attempts to approach the reasons the Nuer have become refugees with professionalism and neutrality. Holtzman notes that the twentieth century has been termed the century of the refugee (Holtzman 14). War, famine, and political oppression have caused unprecedented movement across national borders. Additionally, technology has allowed for transportation across national lines at a faster rate. The United Nations defines the term refugee narrowly. The term specifically excludes people fleeing solely for economic reasons. To gain permission to resettle in the United States, the Nuer have had to prove they were fleeing persecution and not simply moving to improve their economic standing (Holtzman 15). Holtzman outlines the problems faced by the Nuer in their home c
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Approximate Word count = 1919
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

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