Many of the major political issues of our time revolve around the U.S.-Mexican border. Although the scholarly opinions tend to favor an open border and policies that benefit immigrants, perspectives often differ based Reporter David Von Drehle and an immigrant named Richard Rodriguez both penned selections of the same name: “The Great Wall of America”. These articles are similar in that they both explore the effects of border control and immigration policy on the mythical concept of the American Dream. Both discuss economic struggles that immigrants often face, as well as the functionality and purpose of the wall itself. Although at first glance they may seem to offer similar opinions on these matters, closer scrutiny reveals nuanced differences
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Due to the inadequate environment and harsh living conditions within Mexico, the border expands upon Mexican territory. Rodriguez highlights one major distinction between the Mexican and American’s side of the border. As he explains, “On the Mexican side, if you stand with your back to the wall, you will see the poorest neighborhoods, built right up to the line” (59). On the American side, you get a different reality. You see prospering communities with many different opportunities for environmental growth. As stated, “…if you stand with your back to the wall you will see distance, As the United States recedes from the border. There is a shopping mall with big box stores half a mile away” (59). In addition, Rodriguez explains how the wall is made up of unsubstantial materials. As cited, “ In some places the wall is made of tennis court cyclone fencing or dark mesh of the sort used for barbeque grills in public parks”(59). Similarly, Drehle discusses the physical appearance as well as the functionality of the wall itself. He explains that the wall does not appear nor serve its proper purpose. As illustrated, “ The fence is not likely to win any architecture awards.” “… Concrete filled steel poles deeply rooted, closely spaced and solidly linked at the top – are bluntly functional”. Drehle explains how the wall appears as though it is unstable and dysfunctional, and does not …show more content…
All the money and time put into the development of the wall is a waste due to the fact that it does not even serve its purpose, which is to keep out smugglers. As stated in his article, “Congress last year put $1.2 billion into the project, and the Department of Homeland Security promptly starting hiring posthole diggers”. He focuses on the fact that the government gives over money to build the fence and establish a stable security system that ultimately still fails to protect and keep out illegal immigrants. Correspondingly, Rodriguez explains that the economic struggles exist; however, he discusses it in his own regard. He explains that immigrants who strive to live in America are in desperation of settling into stable good paying jobs. His economic approach is focused on making money to live a better life. Therefore, Rodriguez both discuss their economic concerns with the wall, but in there own
Due to the inadequate environment and harsh living conditions within Mexico, the border expands upon Mexican territory. Rodriguez highlights one major distinction between the Mexican and American’s side of the border. As he explains, “On the Mexican side, if you stand with your back to the wall, you will see the poorest neighborhoods, built right up to the line” (59). On the American side, you get a different reality. You see prospering communities with many different opportunities for environmental growth. As stated, “…if you stand with your back to the wall you will see distance, As the United States recedes from the border. There is a shopping mall with big box stores half a mile away” (59). In addition, Rodriguez explains how the wall is made up of unsubstantial materials. As cited, “ In some places the wall is made of tennis court cyclone fencing or dark mesh of the sort used for barbeque grills in public parks”(59). Similarly, Drehle discusses the physical appearance as well as the functionality of the wall itself. He explains that the wall does not appear nor serve its proper purpose. As illustrated, “ The fence is not likely to win any architecture awards.” “… Concrete filled steel poles deeply rooted, closely spaced and solidly linked at the top – are bluntly functional”. Drehle explains how the wall appears as though it is unstable and dysfunctional, and does not …show more content…
All the money and time put into the development of the wall is a waste due to the fact that it does not even serve its purpose, which is to keep out smugglers. As stated in his article, “Congress last year put $1.2 billion into the project, and the Department of Homeland Security promptly starting hiring posthole diggers”. He focuses on the fact that the government gives over money to build the fence and establish a stable security system that ultimately still fails to protect and keep out illegal immigrants. Correspondingly, Rodriguez explains that the economic struggles exist; however, he discusses it in his own regard. He explains that immigrants who strive to live in America are in desperation of settling into stable good paying jobs. His economic approach is focused on making money to live a better life. Therefore, Rodriguez both discuss their economic concerns with the wall, but in there own