Lost Boys Documentary Analysis

Lives of The “Lost Boys” of Sudan

Sudan has been involved in a Civil war fueled by religious conflicts since the 1980s. Thousands of children have experienced extreme hardship and unspeakable after effects. Their story is told through a film known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” They arrive at the Kakuma refugee camps without any guidance from their parents. The film follows the journey of these boys from their war riddled lives in Sudan, to a completely new way of life in the United States of America. These boys imagined the United States as heaven where anything was achievable at their will.

In 1987, the civil war in Sudan forced 20,000 young boys from their families out of southern Sudan. These boys were of the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups who were orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The root of conflict of this civil war can be attributed to religious conflicts between the northern region of Sudan which was primarily Muslim and the southern region of Sudan which had a greater Christianity influence. These conflicts led to systematic attacks in the southern part of the country where many were massacred due to religious disparities. Prior to this Civil War, many of the young men from Sudan spent much of their time away from their villages where these massacres occurred. They avoided much of the conflicts as they were away from their

families tending to cattle at cattle camps (Mylan & Shenk; 2004). Cattle ownership was an essential and a symbol of prestige in the Dinka economy. The Dinka felt that their lives and those of their cattle’s were intertwined. Since these boys were distanced from their villages, this gave them an opportunity to flee into the dense African forest and remain hidden from the turmoil. As they teamed up and embarked on their perilous journey, they shared their survival stories, sang songs, and laughter.

Lives of The “Lost Boys” of Sudan
Education is a part of every society no matter the location. More specifically, education in Sudan is free and compulsory for children anywhere from the ages of six to 13. Primary education usually consists of eight years, followed by three years of secondary education. On the other hand, when it comes to the “Lost Boys,” their perception of education before the war transpired was moreover true-to-life.
Before the war and seasoned reposition of “Lost Boys” from their homes, they had elevated hopes of not only furthering their education, but also growing as life-long learners. They had heard rumors of how the United States of America was a land filled with opportunity. They were told that once they had been educated, they should return to Sudan so that they can contribute to Dinka Society. (Mylan & Shenk; 2004). Not only that, but they were also told the government would aid them in their education. In addition, the boys’ conceit of education was that it was the way to success. Therefore, one of the main factors they came to the United States was to further their education. Education was a vital aspect of their lives not only before the war, but also after it in a sense.
Like many immigrants, Peter and Santino had incredibly high expectations for their life in America, but once they arrived the joy of their new discoveries was quickly joined by loneliness and frustration.

Additionally, after ultimately adjusting in their camps, their expectations of America varied regarding different cultural aspects. They had curiosity, as well as quite a bit of cultivation generalizations. Their expectations eventfully lead them to feeling alienated. For example, according to Santino, when he goes near pedestrians, they look at him due to his “odd” skin color. (Mylan & Shenk; 2004). He feels

shameful.

Lives of The “Lost Boys” of Sudan
The idea of culture shock plays a role on the boys in an emotional sense of disorientation. A case in point is when Peter described feeling isolated in Kansas. According to Peter, it is difficult for him to bond with male classmates. Cultural shock plays a role for the boys in the sense that they suddenly subject to an unfamiliar role, as well as way of life.
Although life in the United States was much better than what they had in Africa, it was not easy to make a living as it was difficult for them to adapt to the new way of life. Much was expected of the young boys as they had been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue their dreams in the United Sates. Their families back in Africa demanded much of them as they had many more opportunities to work and make money in the United States.
It was expected that even though they went to the United States to better themselves, they were also to take care of the ones back home. As these boys adapted to the new way of life in United States, they quickly realized that education was the key to success and it was essential for their survival. This can be noticed in the film when the young refugee calls his mother in Kenya to tell her that his main priority at the moment was to gain an education (Mylan & Shenk; 2004). While much was attainable in the United States, racism served as a roadblock for some of the boys. It was crucial for the boys to overcome these barriers in order to resume their pursuit of the American Dream.
Hard work and sheer determination is essential for survival and success whether you are fighting for your life back home in Africa or chasing your dreams of attaining financial stability and happiness in the United States. If one does not put in the required hard work and effort, it is almost guaranteed that it is virtually impossible to achieve a better life. This is evident through an analysis into the lives of the refugees as they struggled to
Lives of The “Lost Boys” of Sudan
survive by walking hundreds of miles on an empty stomach, without the guidance of their elders, through a country plagued by violence and carnage. This same struggle was replicated when they arrived to the United States and had to overcome many adversities to succeed and conquer the American Dream. No matter your situation, if one has the willpower to succeed and not give up, anything is achievable.