Border Studies Exhibit
May 13 - June 3, 2008
L200
This contemporary exhibit brings the history, people, and daily events of the Texas-Mexico border to life. Delving first into the geography and natural border of the Rio Grande through a series of historical maps, the exhibit documents the overwhelming movement of the border to the West and South. Beautiful photographs of the canyons, the Rio Grande River, and natural passes portray the terrain. The Rio Grande River also known as the Rio Bravo is the longest river in North America covering more than 1,896 miles. Stunning photographs show the Rio Grande at El Paso / Juarez and further south at the Big Bend. The last hand-pulled ferry, the International Ferry at Los Ebanos, is highlighted to show the ongoing migration of people going and coming between Mexico and the United States.
The exhibit reflects the variety of people on both sides of the border going about their daily activities and the shared influences of both cultures. Photographs reveal the international flavor of the Texas-Mexico Border by documenting the legal workers crossing over to work on both sides. Farm workers and fruit pickers migrate daily to work as do thousands of others. The Border is a constant flow of humanity either on foot, by car, by bus, by truck, or crossing via ferry boat.
A small part of the exhibit is dedicated to Border Controls set up to monitor continuous illegal immigration through the maze of territory from El Paso / Juarez to Brownsville / Matamoros. Covering such a tremendous amount of land and river requires a variety of resources such as the use of helicopters, jeeps, boats, and horseback. The Border Patrol have an ongoing duty to examine vehicles, question people, check documents, and search for illegal drugs and contraband.
The most important aspect of the exhibit is the study of the various groups sharing the Border. Oscan J. Martinez in his essay, Human Interaction in the Trans-Mexico Borderlands, divides the Border people into two major groups: the National Borderlanders and the Transnational Borderlanders. He explains that the “length of residence in the borderland, ties with interior areas, occupation, sources of income, level of education, family networks, and social relationships“ usually determine whether one is a National or Transnational Borderlander. National Borderlanders tend to remain unaffected by the factors inherent in the Borderlands. They are “unicultural“ and unable or unwilling to mix with other cultures. Transnational Borderlanders accept, synthesize, and value the environment of the Borderland. They are multicultural in their outlook and forthright in promoting a blending of cultural identities. The “ambiente fronterizo“ are those who share the Border and value its unique qualities. They have combined cultural, religious, ethnic, and traditional ideas overcoming inherent prejudices and racial issues.
A unique look at the people and places of the Texas-Mexico border, Border Studies is a thought-provoking, educational, and worthwhile experience.
Posted on May 8th, 2008 by Library
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