I grew up on the border of Mexico and the United States, quite a bit far away from El Paso but still only 10 minutes from a way to cross by car and by foot. From the topic videos in Module 1, I didn't know about the gas baths, the delousing, and the disingenuous fear of 'uncleanliness' from Mexican people making their daily commute to the US for work and to support themselves and their families.
I am both White and Mexican. I was educated in the American system where we did not learn about Mexican history other than in the framework of Texas History or as History of the Americas in high school, which mainly focuses on the US and Canada. Growing up where I did meant I knew more about Latinidad than the average American but I can very much say I do not know our history. History not shared in Spanish class, from family members, from government educational initiatives. These injustices then and now continue shaping the outcomes and livelihoods of all on the border, no matter their nationality, but without them knowing why.
