Lost Boys of Sudan

1. Discuss the difficulties “Lost Boy,” Peter/Santino experienced while assimilating into the American culture?

Peter faced many difficulties settling into the American culture, as it was very different from their own Sudanese culture. In Sudan Peter did not have to work hard or worry about money, while in the U.S. everything is about money. But Peter is not as interested in money as he is in education. The reason the “Lost Boys” were sent to the U.S. was to go to school so they could help the people back home. Peter has a hard time getting education and a sufficient paying job in Houston, so he moves to Kansas so he can have a better life. He finds that many times people can be racist against their culture or ethnicity. At one point even a teacher judges Peter by his first appearance, but Peter quickly proves himself a much brighter person. Peter mixes with some different cultures, but he finds it hard to adjust to their ways. He doesn’t know how to act so that he can fit in with his group of friends. To prove himself bright and capable of being educated and at the same level as anyone else Peter finds that he has to strive further than the average.