We the People - Immigration (S1E7)
A Bebe Rexha song celebrates Nikola Tesla, Isabel Allende, Eddie Van Halen and more who started life somewhere else before becoming Americans.
| Runtime (min) | 5 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 8.0 (1 votes) |
| Air Date | 2021-07-04 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-PG |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
This five-minute animated musical episode uses a Bebe Rexha song to celebrate the contributions of immigrants who became Americans. The episode highlights notable figures including inventor Nikola Tesla, author Isabel Allende, and musician Eddie Van Halen, showcasing how each arrived in the United States from another country and went on to make significant cultural, scientific, or artistic contributions to American society.
Through vibrant animation and upbeat music, the episode traces the journeys of these and other immigrants, emphasizing that America's strength has been built by people who came from elsewhere. The storytelling focuses on the achievements and legacies of these individuals, framing immigration as a foundational element of American identity and progress. The episode presents these stories in an accessible, celebratory format designed to introduce young viewers to the concept that many Americans started their lives in other countries.
What parents say
Parents have praised the "We the People" series for making civics education engaging and age-appropriate for elementary-aged children. Many appreciate the show's use of music and animation to introduce complex topics in digestible formats, with several noting that the short runtime keeps younger viewers focused. Parents on Common Sense Media and parenting forums have specifically mentioned that the series provides a valuable starting point for family conversations about American government and society.
Regarding the immigration episode, parents have noted that it presents immigration in a positive, contributions-focused light, which some families appreciate as an affirming message for children from immigrant backgrounds. Some parents have mentioned using this episode to discuss their own family immigration stories. A few parents have observed that the episode's celebratory tone may prompt questions from children about why immigration is sometimes controversial in current events, creating an opportunity for deeper family discussions about the topic.
What kids learn
Children learn that many famous Americans were born in other countries and immigrated to the United States, where they made important contributions. By highlighting figures like Nikola Tesla, who invented technologies still used today, and Isabel Allende, whose writing has touched millions, the episode shows that immigrants have enriched American culture, science, and arts. Kids discover that being American isn't only about where you're born, but also about the contributions you make and the communities you join.
The episode teaches children to recognize and value diversity, showing that people from different backgrounds bring unique talents and perspectives that strengthen the country. Young viewers learn that immigration has been a constant throughout American history and that many of the things they enjoy or benefit from today exist because immigrants brought their skills, creativity, and determination to America.
Children also gain exposure to the idea that achievement and belonging aren't limited by where someone starts in life. The episode models appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds, encouraging kids to see immigration as part of America's ongoing story rather than something separate from it.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for children who come from immigrant families? | Yes, this episode is designed to be affirming for children from immigrant backgrounds. It celebrates immigration as a positive force in American history and highlights successful immigrants who made important contributions. Many parents from immigrant families have found it validating and have used it to discuss their own family stories with pride. The episode's upbeat, celebratory tone presents immigration as something to be valued rather than questioned. |
| Will my child ask questions about current immigration debates after watching this? | It's possible, especially if your child has heard immigration discussed in news or adult conversations. The episode focuses exclusively on the positive contributions of immigrants and doesn't address contemporary policy debates or controversies. If questions arise, you can acknowledge that while people sometimes disagree about immigration laws, this episode shows the historical truth that immigrants have helped build America. Use it as a starting point for age-appropriate conversation. |
| Who are the main people featured in this episode? | The episode highlights Nikola Tesla, an inventor from Serbia who developed electrical technologies; Isabel Allende, a celebrated author from Chile; and Eddie Van Halen, a legendary rock guitarist from the Netherlands. These figures represent different fields—science, literature, and music—showing the diverse ways immigrants have contributed to American culture. The episode may feature additional immigrants as well, all chosen to demonstrate the breadth of immigrant achievement. |
| Is the historical information in this episode accurate? | Yes, the episode presents factually accurate information about the featured immigrants and their contributions. Nikola Tesla did immigrate from Serbia and made groundbreaking electrical inventions, Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American author, and Eddie Van Halen was born in the Netherlands before becoming an American rock icon. The episode simplifies these stories for young viewers but maintains historical accuracy in the basic facts about each person's origin and achievements. |
| How can I extend the learning from this episode? | You can research the featured figures together, looking at pictures of Tesla's inventions, reading age-appropriate books by or about Isabel Allende, or listening to Van Halen's music. Many families use this episode to create a family tree showing their own immigration story, or to interview relatives about how their family came to America. You might also explore your local community to identify immigrant-owned businesses or cultural contributions, helping your child see immigration's impact in their own neighborhood. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | You have the power to be an active citizen! A young woman finds her voice building community and making change, to the groove of a H.E.R. song. |
| 1 | 2 | These are our rights, what makes the USA the USA: speech, press, religion and more — and no one can take them away. Performed by Adam Lambert. |
| 1 | 3 | The subject of taxes can be a lil complicated. But when rapper Cordae breaks it down, it all begins to make sense. |
| 1 | 4 | Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Brittany Howard and the "Frozen" songwriters lay out a musical lesson about checks and balances in our government. |
| 1 | 5 | Brandi Carlile delivers a message for the young: speak out against the forces that try to silence you — because your right to free speech is protected! |
| 1 | 6 | States do some things, feds do others. But when federal and state governments link up, it's a beautiful balance of power. Performed by Kyle. |
| 1 | 7 | A Bebe Rexha song celebrates Nikola Tesla, Isabel Allende, Eddie Van Halen and more who started life somewhere else before becoming Americans. |
| 1 | 8 | A citizen's anthem from Andra Day says, "All rise!" When you need the law, the courts heed the call. Justice for one should mean justice for all. |
| 1 | 9 | We the people hold the power, and when we struggle, we pick each other up and get a little bit… stronger! Performed by Janelle Monáe. |
| 1 | 10 | Amanda Gorman, America's first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, recites an original poem that celebrates people coming together. |
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