The Line Between Us, by Bill Bigelow, is a teaching curriculum that looks at the relationship between Mexico and the United States and the roots of Mexican immigration, in the context of the global economy. It draws upon the historical roots of the border to help us understand the current tensions surrounding immigration.
The book offers a role play activity where students represent various people affected by NAFTA at a mock free trade conference, including the US President, maquiladoras, US corporate interests, poor farmers from Chiapas, workers from the US, and environmental groups. The activity explores the relationship between rules that aim to eliminate trade barriers and the creation of vast disparities in wealth, the disruption of local economies, and the desperate need for secure employment.
The final section of the book is filled with additional resources and teaching ideas. The Line Between Us is available for $16.95 from Rethinking Schools, 800/669-4192; POB 2222, Williston, VT 05945; www.rethinkingschools.org [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/forward/77
[2] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/print/77
[3] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/audio/play/146
[4] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/authors/editor
[5] http://www.rethinkingschools.org
[6] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/issue-366-june-2006
[7] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/geography/americas/central-america/mexico
[8] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/geography/americas/northern-america/united-states
[9] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/taxonomy/term/418
[10] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/3-working-peace-conflict-transformation/3-05-peacebuilding-creating-systems-and-cultures--0
[11] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/3-working-peace-conflict-transformation/3-06-peace-education
[12] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/3-working-peace-conflict-transformation/3-06-peace-education/3-06-03-nonviolent-elementary-
[13] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/3-working-peace-conflict-transformation/3-06-peace-education/3-06-04-nonviolent-secondary-s
[14] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/3-working-peace-conflict-transformation/3-06-peace-education/3-06-05-peace-education
[15] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/3-working-peace-conflict-transformation/3-06-peace-education/3-06-09-peace-games
[16] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/category/5-countering-oppression-organizing-building-alternatives-0
[17] http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/taxonomy/term/304
[18] http://www.afsc.org/store