As we speak, we face eminent danger, as do the “prohibited, forbidden inhabitants, the atravesados,” or “trespassers,” of the borderlands. They are so called in the words of Rio Grande Valley philosopher, Dr. Gloria Anzaldua, who studied and valued them (Professor Claire Urbanski, “Critical Theory for Political Theology: Gloria Anzaldua,” 29 Jun 21).
We have reached a point “como aqua para chocolate,” a point of boiling. It has been simmering over the last few years under the angry cloud sent from the gods of invasive Covid. It is now boiling in the current canícula. But, more than Mother Nature, we face danger from evil gate-keepers who suppress valiant trespassers from Mexico and beyond who come to Texas, once, Mexico.
We face a clash of power—power held by a minority but politically dominant ethnic group, too often, by the racist minds among them. But that power is tested by almost irrepressible forces, those with a hunger for safety for their families and for the freedom to work. And, heaven knows, this country, losing population, growing older, needs their labor. This old gringo, once teaching here, but retired and still living here, reflects with you as we speak. He reminds you of the political realities touching us, surrounding us, be we active or retired academics, be we workers in any other pursuit.
This old gringo despairs for the barriers of barbed wire, for the traps of buoys and metal saws awaiting those heedless of the threats (“Texas Republicans’Zealotry,” America’s Voice, 11 Aug 24). They are spurred on by their desire for change, their desire to help their families. Yes, some few foolishly fall for smugglers lies, and attempt “get rich quick” schemes; some, recently, desecrated their Aztec ancestors’ creations by hiding by hiding drugs amid packets of savory mole (Johnny Loftus, “Contraband: Seized,” Decider, approx. 8 Aug 24). Most of them don’t even think about such sacrilege, or they reject it, when tempted.
This old gringo is at once delighted by the knowledge of actions by kind folk—farmers, ranchers, activists, acting as Good Samaritans. They, of course, include Mexicans, Mexican Americans, Anglo Americans, Namely, this sympathetic, empathetic, gringo (full of envidia) speaks of actions by those who leave barrels of water amid the Texas brush for migrants. His mother would have said “there will be stars in their crowns” for that action. Then, he is immediately appalled on learning that others of rotten spirits—Border Patrol? Good Christians? You know who you are--are destroying those sources of life! Oh, and perhaps chuckling as they serve Abbott?
All these events swirl around us. We must, in whatever way we can, take action, in our classrooms, if a teacher, at coffee shops, with our families, later, at the polls, as we vote. In between those times, we can contribute money to lawsuits, and/or political action committees. At all times, as we speak among ourselves, our professional associates, in our churches and places of worship, as we spread the word, we should share advice and encouragement to others to do the right thing.
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by UT-Rio Grande Valley Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Joe Mounce. The column appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Dr. Mounce (pictured above) can be reached by email via: gjmounce@gmail.com.
