I really liked how the RadioLab story connects two very different immigrant stories and finds a common thread about what it means to belong and what integration and assimilation mean. These are important concepts that need to be viewed from both sides, especially in our current political climate. I also like that Nancy's story is explored from multiple sides. The fact that the journalist explores the possibility that, yes, Nancy actually might be a rather annoying person gives depth to this debate. It's not just a simple story of xenophobia. Regardless, the focus is still on what it means to belong, to be a part of community--for better or for worse. This activity is a great way to humanize these abstract concepts. I think this activity could even be used to exercise intercultural empathy if done properly.

This could be a real eye opener for people who haven't thought about nationality and citizenship much. For those who have, it's key appeal is the story and the opportunity to learn about citizenship requirements in a country of particular interest to them. I do wonder how doing this activity would feel to someone who is undocumented or has intimate experience with the challenges of forced migration and/or lack of documentation -- a question of emotional labor and/or feeling pressured to reveal something personal even if the questions don't explicitly point in that direction. A facilitator might simply want to think about framing this in a way that promotes a focus away from individual nationality.