TITLE

The DHS Border Fence in the Rio Grande Valley

AUTHOR(S)

Garrett, Terence; Storbeck, James

PUB. DATE

December 2011

SOURCE

Administrative Theory & Praxis (M.E. Sharpe);Dec2011, Vol. 33 Issue 4, p530

SOURCE TYPE

Academic Journal

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

The authors call on related theoretical concepts to better understand the effects on the Rio Grande Valley of the U.S. government's recent border security activities. In particular, we explore the consequences of U.S. wall-building policies in terms of semiotics (Baudrillard's simulacra), space (Foucault's heterotopias), and subjectivity (Agamben's homo sacer). These three interrelated perspectives are developed as analytical tools to study impacts of national security initiatives on the life world of south Texas. Although the Department of Homeland Security has worked steadfastly on building the wall in the name of improved national security, considerable local public resistance continues. Property owners, mayors, business leaders, clergy, and others remain fearful of what the wall represents to their collective economic, social and political well-being. The authors argue that examining the phenomenon of the wall through theoretical lenses leads to the development of relevant (alternative) theories and practices that explicitly address community concerns.

ACCESSION #

69736313

Tags: BORDER security -- United States;  WALLS -- Design & construction;  NATIONAL security -- United States;  OPPOSITION (Political science)

 

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