Article number one
“The Other Border”
Summary of the article. This article is about the huge influx of immigrants trying to make it to south Texas to enter the United States. The problem is the extreme heat and lack of food and water the immigrants have when they are dropped off by their handlers. The walk is usually twenty five miles to bypass checkpoints. Most immigrants do not live to meet back up with their handlers. They die before they are able to possibly make it to freedom.
How the story relates to oppression/discrimination. These immigrants are dying trying to make it to the United States. They are being oppressed by their handlers. The handlers get their money to take them across the border, regardless of whether they live or die. The handles are Americans or those with access to get across the border with no problems.
Who is oppressed? The immigrants are the ones who are oppressed.
Who is oppressing? The handlers are the ones who are oppressing the immigrants.
How are they being oppressed? What type of oppression/discrimination is involved? The immigrants are oppressed by whoever the handlers are. The handlers are still making their money. They leave these immigrants in the desert with very little food or water. They are basically left to die. If they are caught by border patrol then they are deported. They go back to their old life, but with little to no money. These immigrants are oppressed by fear. They also fear deportation if they do make it to the United States. They also face discrimination based on their language barrier and lack of communication.
Explore the significance in our society. What are the implications for this oppression? What does this say about the values of our society? As Americans we are very accepting of immigrants if they use the proper channels to enter the country. Immigrants cost Americans a lot in tax dollars. I must admit that it is often difficult to communicate with immigrates that have not learned our language. It is important to note that it is the handlers that are abusing these people. In the article the American humanitarian groups and some ranchers have set up water stations for the illegal immigrants. That lets me know that we are a great country and we are doing our part to help.
What was my personal reaction? Explore thoroughly. What aspects of my own socialization have led you to this reaction? I was surprised that these people are just dumped out. I was also surprised at the number of deaths. It makes me proud to be an American knowing that it is humanitarians and Texas ranchers that are trying to keep these people alive. I just wish immigrants would try to come to our country legally. It would save them from a horrible fate and fear.
What did I learn? I learned that Americans can be counted on to help in any humanitarian effort. Also that there are those, the handlers, that do not care about human life. They are just out to make money. I cannot imagine the toll it must take on the officers that must collect the bodies.
Source:
Altman, A. (2015). The other border. Time, 185 (21), 34-41.
“The Other Border”
Summary of the article. This article is about the huge influx of immigrants trying to make it to south Texas to enter the United States. The problem is the extreme heat and lack of food and water the immigrants have when they are dropped off by their handlers. The walk is usually twenty five miles to bypass checkpoints. Most immigrants do not live to meet back up with their handlers. They die before they are able to possibly make it to freedom.
How the story relates to oppression/discrimination. These immigrants are dying trying to make it to the United States. They are being oppressed by their handlers. The handlers get their money to take them across the border, regardless of whether they live or die. The handles are Americans or those with access to get across the border with no problems.
Who is oppressed? The immigrants are the ones who are oppressed.
Who is oppressing? The handlers are the ones who are oppressing the immigrants.
How are they being oppressed? What type of oppression/discrimination is involved? The immigrants are oppressed by whoever the handlers are. The handlers are still making their money. They leave these immigrants in the desert with very little food or water. They are basically left to die. If they are caught by border patrol then they are deported. They go back to their old life, but with little to no money. These immigrants are oppressed by fear. They also fear deportation if they do make it to the United States. They also face discrimination based on their language barrier and lack of communication.
Explore the significance in our society. What are the implications for this oppression? What does this say about the values of our society? As Americans we are very accepting of immigrants if they use the proper channels to enter the country. Immigrants cost Americans a lot in tax dollars. I must admit that it is often difficult to communicate with immigrates that have not learned our language. It is important to note that it is the handlers that are abusing these people. In the article the American humanitarian groups and some ranchers have set up water stations for the illegal immigrants. That lets me know that we are a great country and we are doing our part to help.
What was my personal reaction? Explore thoroughly. What aspects of my own socialization have led you to this reaction? I was surprised that these people are just dumped out. I was also surprised at the number of deaths. It makes me proud to be an American knowing that it is humanitarians and Texas ranchers that are trying to keep these people alive. I just wish immigrants would try to come to our country legally. It would save them from a horrible fate and fear.
What did I learn? I learned that Americans can be counted on to help in any humanitarian effort. Also that there are those, the handlers, that do not care about human life. They are just out to make money. I cannot imagine the toll it must take on the officers that must collect the bodies.
Source:
Altman, A. (2015). The other border. Time, 185 (21), 34-41.