JE # 4

Through this week’s readings, I began understanding the way in which various ethnic groups have faced discrimination and oppression in border towns, I’ve come to understand the way in which the dehumanization of the immigrant communities have taken place. In David’s Romo book, he writes the historical narratives of the struggling communities that reside north of the U.S/Mexico border and highlights the struggles of these communities due to their perceived race. A common misconception about immigration and borders is that the only communities that cross the border illegally are those of Mexican descent, however, it is clear that in the 19^th century folks from China used the U.S/Mexico border as a means of making it to the United States, while nonetheless, facing their own forms of oppression, hence the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, within the book; there are a few pictures that bring up a lot of emotions due to the experiences of those who came before me. On page 196, we see a picture with a caption that states, “Anglos and their Mexican prisoners after the Boquillas, Texas raid along the border, CA.” This picture is really powerful because it illustrates the clear abuse that was executed upon people of color in the border, specifically Mexicanos. We see about nine Anglos with guns pointing at three Mexicanos, as if they were perceived danger, as if they deserved death. This picture illustrates the perceived ‘superiority’ of these anglos and the ‘inferiority of Mexicans by the border. This picture is incredibly disturbing, to see our gente at the feet of people of privilege, simply because they feel they deserve, simply because they have the tools to oppress. A part of me can see the pain embedded in the indigenous souls that are in the picture and it’s disturbing to know that this sort of treatment continues, all due to a lack of documentation.

Another picture that was also very interesting is located on page 204, which states “Social fraternization and friendship between Blacks and Mexicans was not uncommon in Ciudad Juarez during the turn of the century.” This was a powerful picture because it demonstrated the cross community collaboration among Mexicans and Black folks and therefore showing the unity created within struggling communities. I chose this picture because it is shows the possibility of cross-community collaboration, a space in which people of color can join forces to create community and combat the oppressive forms that put them against one another, the same forces that privileges white folks and their perceived superiority.