Choose a selection from the Crossing Borders unit. Write a short explanation of how one of the individuals in this selection is affected by a border crossing. Use examples or details to support your answer.
Borders, Thomas king
In the short story "Borders" by Thomas King, one of the individuals affected by a border crossing is the narrator's mother. Throughout the story, the mother's identity, sense of belonging, and personal boundaries are deeply impacted by the act of crossing the border.
The story revolves around a Mohawk woman, the mother, and her young son who frequently cross the US-Canada border. Despite being a citizen of the Blackfoot reservation in Canada, the mother refuses to acknowledge any national identity when questioned at the border. Instead, she boldly states, "I am Blackfoot." This refusal to align herself with any particular nation suggests her rebellion against the imposed borders and her strong connection to her cultural heritage.
Moreover, the mother's decision to assert her Indigenous identity has grave consequences for her, as well as for her son. By declaring her allegiance to the Blackfoot nation rather than acquiescing to the border officials, they are subjected to rigorous questioning and extended waits. In one instance, they even have to sleep outside in the freezing cold when they are denied entry into either country. Despite these hardships, she remains unyielding and resolute in her refusal to carry a visible ID or claim a national affiliation.
This continuous act of defiance and resistance influences not only the mother's self-perception but also her son's understanding of the world and his own identity. He becomes aware of the struggle his mother and their people face in a world that imposes borders and a binary understanding of nationhood. In this sense, the mother serves as a powerful role model for her son, teaching him the significance of his heritage and the importance of standing up for what he believes in.
By challenging the border officials and refusing to accept the limitations imposed by borders, the mother symbolizes the resilience and strength of those who resist colonial impositions. She demonstrates how an individual can be greatly affected by the act of crossing a border, as it can either strip away or strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. The mother's unwavering commitment to her cultural heritage serves as a poignant reminder of the power of individual agency and the potential for creating change, even in the face of adversity.