I am familiar with most of the history spoken about in module 1, with the exception of the timelines. However, I was not aware of the inspections at the Mexican border. The level of white supremacy and arrogance shocks me. So many of those attitudes towards minorities are still prevalent today. The more I learn, the more I realize how truly privileged I am. I have to ask myself if my naivety was intentional.
I was not aware of the Gasoline Baths or the "Bath Riots." I had heard of delousing and body inspections but did not know about the chemicals /gas used. Nor about the Nazis adopting the use of the gas from US border practices. I did not know about the use of DDT. Growing up in northern California I knew of the existence of the Bracero program at the time but only the vaguest of details. The modern-day right-wing commentators claiming that would-be immigrants/refugees were bring "smallpox, leprosy and tb" and the imagined number of their listeners who believe them is frightening.
Cruel intentions, a lack of sympathy and understanding seem to rule our country today. Lady liberty is hanging her head in shame. I hope for not too much longer.