Reflections on SWGS 482 border trip:

The trip to the border was an amazing opportunity to break through the windows into border life that we have gained through the literature in the class, and actually interact with people in their current reality.  I am extremely grateful for the access that traveling with Marta afforded us; in terms of both where we got to go, and the trust that people felt for us because of Marta’s presence.  By going on the trip I feel that I got a glimpse into the role that Marta plays in their lives, a connection to global resources against global exploitation, a former worker they can trust, someone who has fought against the corporations and won.  By seeing how the people valued her, I think I learned a little more about what is lacking in their lives.  In seeing the support they seek, I learned about the problems they face.
            Throughout the weekend I was constantly impressed with how welcoming and friendly all the groups we visited were.  Though I still felt like an outsider, due to appearance, language, and the brief nature of our visits, I felt welcomed and valued for the time I was there.  In listening to the stories of the groups we visited I was given the impression that they wanted to share their story, not only with us, but with any outside source that they could.  The Key Safety System workers talked about their fights for better working conditions and the rights to run their own union, and the citizens of Blanco Navidad talked about their fights to get land and water.  During these conversations it seemed to me that they were not only fighting for these things, but also fighting to show their agency.  I have had the opportunity to read about the dehumanization of maquila workers and those living in poverty along the border; I knew that these things occurred.  It was amazing to meet and talk with people experiencing these realities, but for me the true highlight was seeing the fight that these groups are launching to assert their agency and their rights to be treated as human beings.  Though many of the situations we witnessed were heart-wrenching, the hope and strength that was evident during the conversations and stories was inspiring.