Why do you think the mother in "Borders" by King told the border officials that she was Blackfoot Indian instead of Canadian? Do you agree or disagree with this decision? Why or why not?
As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or thoughts. However, I can provide insights and help you understand the context of the story "Borders" by Thomas King.
In the story, the mother tells the border officials that she is Blackfoot Indian instead of Canadian. This decision can be interpreted in different ways depending on one's perspective. Here are a few possible reasons:
1. Cultural Identity: The mother might identify strongly with her Blackfoot heritage and prioritize her Indigenous identity over her Canadian nationality. By claiming her Indigenous identity, she is asserting her cultural background and potentially highlighting the historical relationships between Indigenous peoples and colonial powers.
2. Political Statement: The mother's action might be seen as a political statement or a form of protest against the borders that divide nations and restrict people's movement. By claiming Indigenous identity, she might be challenging the legitimacy and boundaries enforced by the government.
3. Practical Strategy: It's possible that the mother believes claiming Indigenous identity could potentially grant her certain privileges or exemptions at the border. In some cases, Indigenous people have specific rights and exemptions when crossing borders, such as the Jay Treaty rights between the US and Canada.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the mother's decision is subjective and dependent on various factors, including personal beliefs, cultural background, and political stance. It's essential to consider the complexity of the issue before forming an opinion.
To delve deeper into this topic and form a more nuanced understanding, it is recommended to read the story "Borders" by Thomas King. By analyzing the characters, their motivations, and the broader themes of the story, one can gain further insights and perspectives on the mother's decision.