This paper analyzes the film "Dirty Pretty Things" as a lens for understanding the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in liberal, multicultural societies. Through examination of the film's two protagonists—one Nigerian and one Turkish—the author explores the systemic exploitation, cultural barriers, and legal obstacles that characterize undocumented life. The paper argues that citizenship itself becomes a commodity in contexts of extreme vulnerability and that obtaining legal status does not eliminate discrimination. Drawing on cosmopolitan liberal philosophy, the author contends that wealthy nations have a moral responsibility to support global poor and displaced persons, grounded not merely in avoiding harm but in positive obligations to assist those in need across national borders.
The film Dirty Pretty Things offers an accurate depiction of the problems encountered in liberal society when dealing with multiculturalism and citizenship. The two main characters are representatives of millions of undocumented immigrants around the world. Although the movie is set in London, the storyline is highly relevant to cities throughout the United States. Nashville, for example, has the highest population of Kurdish immigrants and refugees in the United States.
Any immigrant faces numerous problems when settling into a new country. First and foremost, there is the language barrier and significant cultural differences, among many other factors. Individuals who leave their home country in search of opportunity are severely limited when living without legal documentation. In the film, the two main characters work long hours for minimal pay simply to remain in a country where they believe promise and opportunity exist. When the status of "illegal" is added to one's immigrant identity, endless obstacles accumulate. Undocumented immigrants face not only cultural differences but also heavy opposition from people already established in the area.
In the film, London serves as an accurate illustration of how the world is becoming increasingly multicultural. One main character is Nigerian, while the other is Turkish; throughout the movie, immigrants from all over the world appear. A multicultural society is not a widely accepted concept among many people. Nation-building faces difficulties when foreign individuals immigrate in large numbers and challenge the status quo. Immigrants are often perceived as threatening the way of life for established inhabitants; they complicate the idea of a shared national identity. This tension between newcomers and established populations lies at the heart of multicultural societies worldwide.
The film depicts the stigma associated with being undocumented and specifically the ways in which undocumented people are exploited. Living in an area without citizenship status leaves individuals vulnerable and more likely to be taken advantage of. These individuals exist in a country without "the right to have rights." One main concept of the film is the exploitation undocumented citizens endure, and the lengths they will go to obtain citizenship status. As mentioned, they accept very low pay, agree to work multiple jobs at all hours, and in some cases literally offer their bodies in return for citizenship. Forced sexual favors are given, and internal organs are sold. The undocumented immigrants are even exploited by fellow immigrants who happen to possess the citizenship status that the undocumented individuals lack.
This dynamic reveals that citizenship status can be accompanied by feelings of authority or entitlement: "I can do A because I am a citizen." The extreme measures taken by undocumented people raise a crucial question: who gets to be a citizen, and what is the price of citizenship? Citizenship, in contexts of extreme vulnerability, becomes not a fundamental right but a commodity to be bought or traded away.
"Citizenship alone does not eliminate discrimination and hardship"
"Philosophical framework for universal moral duties across borders"
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