READ: Bridging the Gaps:
Chap 9: Frames of Reference (Living in Two Cultures) & Chapter 10 Ethical Issues (re communication)
Film Text: Focus on specific cinematic tactics that amplify different frames of reference and ethical issues re communication.
Do your research and look up terms you are not sure of--like amplify or cultural ideological terms.
WATCH: "Who is Dayani Cristal?" (2005)
Q1. Pick a scene or montage from the film that is a good example of using a frame of reference in a different culture. Be sure to include the film (time:stamp). (Chap 9.)
Q2. What message (there are many) was amplified via the film about competing political or cultural ideologies on both sides of the border? Explain using one scene from the film. Try to set aside your POV and critically assess this assignment. (Include the time:stamp.)
Q3. Find a (2023-2025) credible-media story that highlights an ethical issue related to communication for this type of situation (BTG. Chap 10). Here or elsewhere. Include the link for the story.
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BE UNIQUE & DIG DEEPER
DUE: Mar 2 by midnight (50 pts)
19 comments:
Q1. A powerful scene that uses a frame of reference from a different culture occurs around 30-45 minutes into the film, when interviews with Dilcy Yohan Sandres-Martínez's family in Honduras are shown. This segment provides insight into the cultural context and motivations behind his decision to migrate, framing the issue through the lens of his family's experiences and values rather than from a U.S.-centric perspective.
Q2. One message amplified by the film is the stark contrast between the humanitarian crisis of migrant deaths and the impersonal, bureaucratic approach to border security. This is powerfully illustrated in the scene (approximately 5-15 minutes into the film) where forensic specialists in Arizona examine the unidentified body. As they methodically catalog the remains, the film juxtaposes the clinical nature of their work with the deeply personal tragedy it represents, highlighting the disconnect between policy and human impact.
Q3. A recent ethical issue related to communication in border crossing situations is highlighted in a 2023 NPR article titled "Texas is putting up more floating barriers in the Rio Grande. Mexico says it violates treaties." The article discusses the ethical implications of using physical barriers in waterways to deter migrants, raising questions about the morality of such tactics and their potential to cause harm. This relates to the ethical considerations of how governments communicate their border policies and the potential consequences of those communications.
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/13/1187444922/texas-rio-grande-floating-barrier-mexico
Q1: The scene at around 20:00 shows the discovery of Dayani's body in the Arizona desert, where her tattoos become a key element in identifying her. These tattoos, linked to her indigenous roots and home country, offer a glimpse into her cultural identity. The contrast between her personal cultural markers and the cold, dehumanizing processes of border enforcement highlights the significance of understanding migrants beyond their status. This moment emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity and cultural background of individuals, inviting the audience to see Dayani Cristal as more than just a statistic.
Q2: In the scene around 40:00 contrasts the harsh realities faced by migrants with the cold, institutional approach of U.S. border enforcement. The film critiques the political ideology in the U.S. that treats immigration as a security issue, reducing migrants to statistics, while highlighting the desperation and hope driving people to cross the border. This juxtaposition amplifies the cultural divide, raising questions about the morality of immigration policies and urging the audience to critically examine the competing political ideologies on both sides of the border.
Q3: The article from Le Monde discusses political scientist Fanny Lauby’s analysis of the potential economic impact of Donald Trump's plan to deport undocumented immigrants. Lauby argues that such a policy could severely harm the U.S. economy due to the crucial roles undocumented immigrants play in various industries. The piece highlights the ethical issue of considering the broader social and economic consequences of immigration policies, advocating for more humane and practical approaches rather than extreme measures that could destabilize the labor market and economy.
Cody Menzies
Q1: (00:22:01) It shows the anthropologist expressing that America needs blue collar workers to do things they will not immediately followed by immigrants joining forces on a bus to make it to America to do those jobs. It sounds easy come from the doctors point of view but when the camera flips you see the harsh reality of the American dream from those south of the border.
Q2: (00:42:30) You see the non-American part of the trip where people are jumping on trains risking there lives and a moment later you see the point of view of the American Border patrol where each death is treated simply as a case number.
Q3: Guardian posted that each year the number of deaths of people coming in to the country has increased tremendously. Some would argue there should be a safer way.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/15/deaths-new-mexico-border-immigration
Caroline Lipscomb
Q1. A 5-minute span in the film shows us the reality of immigration as a montage tells the story of one man’s immigration journey. The narrator is in a busy, hot, marketplace with unhappy-looking people as he states that the man was a husband and a father whose life ended tragically as he was simply attempting to give his family a better life (00:17:40). We then see footage of the examination work that one of the forensic employees does, as she says: “Somebody had a dream, but they ended up being number- a statistic” (00:21:38). As these clips show what these people are attempting to leave behind, the toilsome journey they face, and how it unfairly ends, there is a frame of reference so that the viewer can understand this process of immigration.
Q2. The camera scans walls and walls of bodies after a narrator explains the increasing deaths (as well as the Clinton administration’s reforms that brought the number so high), and it is clear that it is more important to our government to keep people out, than to give them safety and the slightest opportunity- even at the expense of thousands of lives (00:57:47).
Q3. In 2022, it was reported that cell phones were being issued to migrants released by Homeland Security. This became a trending news story because each cell phone was being tracked in order to give the government an idea of where each migrant was at all times. Migrants were not properly informed of the fact that these phones were being tracked. They were unfairly within the government’s complete control and without knowledge.
MIGRANT CELLPHONES
Q1 (53:19-54:41) It shows a montage of Yohan playing fútbol with other migrants at the Brother's Shelter and how everyone is on the same team no matter what country they are from and proceeds to continue showing the game and close-ups of other migrants. The frame of reference is that on this journey these people already know they will need to depend on each other either for their experience or for companionship; they are on the same trip with similar goals in mind of wanting a better life.
Q2 (59:00-1:00:00) The message often amplified is the differential views of seeing migrants either as heroes risking their lives, like getting on “la Bestia”, for a better life for themselves and their family or they are seen by the U.S. government as illegal criminals. It’s said that visas are only being given to those who have a home and a stable income, not to the poor who will likely stay for better opportunities in the States. Immigration is not black and white as depending on who is asked they are either criminals or brave people making the dangerous journey for those they care about; what makes them criminals are the laws placed on immigration that says what they are doing is wrong.
Q3 The Trump administration wants to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which would target undocumented immigrants and increase deportations. The administration would most likely face court if it seemed that it was to be invoked. President Trump has stated that gangs and cartels have already invaded the country, but as the US is not at war with any of these nations; it shows what types of policies he wants to implement if allowed. The ethical issue being what line is the U.S. government willing to cross on deportations and the human rights of illegal immigrants, since they see immigration as a problem.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/26/politics/trump-controversial-law-speed-deportations/index.html
Q1. (41:43) The scene where the people traveling to the USA are on top of the train. At this point they all have one goal together and that is to survive the trip, the train ride, and arrive in the States. It is not a matter of where someone is from, but rather their shared goal.
Q2. (27:27) When the investigators were taking pictures of the dead body in hopes of identifying who it was. Investigators try to scientifically identify bodies which is often difficult and time consuming, and results can vary.
Q3. Ted Cruz slaps blue state authority with subpoena over sheltering migrants at airport: 'Reckless'
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ted-cruz-slaps-blue-state-223823847.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall
Q1. Pick a scene or montage from the film that is a good example of using a frame of reference in a different culture. Be sure to include the film (time: stamp). (Chap 9.)
00:36:00 – 00:40:00 Gael García Bernal retraces the trip migrants make through Mexico trying to get the American border
Q2. What message (there are many) was amplified via the film about competing political or cultural ideologies on both sides of the border? Explain using one scene from the film. Try to set aside your POV and critically assess this assignment. (Include the time stamp.)
00:52:00 – 00:56:00 The film shows the forensic process of identifying the deceased migrants found in the Arizona desert. This shows the conflict between the humanitarians’ point of view and the immigration laws and enforcements. Ones portrays these individuals as victims where the other side sees them as criminals.
Q3. Find a (2023-2025) credible-media story that highlights an ethical issue related to communication for this type of situation (BTG. Chap 10). Here or elsewhere. Include the link for the story.
The article was about the possible effects of President Trump making English the official language of the United States. Advocates for immigrants say this would create major barriers for non-English speaking individuals
https://apnews.com/article/trump-declare-english-official-language-5b24f6ac1172803f615cea69e13f8724
Q1: At (00:11:12) you see all the bodies of migrants who’ve perished during the multitudes of border crossings. From our perspective, you don’t hear about the copious amount of fatalities that these crossings have. In the states just hear how dangerous they are and that’s it. Seeing a lock-up full of people who once dreamed about a better life puts that saying into perspective.
Q2: At (00:58:45) Crossings will happen regardless of where you delegate them from. The American government understands this and still does not loosen the grip that they have on the crossings leading to many more unnecessary deaths. While on the other side, they too understand that crossings will happen no matter the risk and they actively give them support and shelter from the predators that look to prey on them while they’re at their most vulnerable.
Q3: This article details the release of immigration judges, primarily in our city of Houston, leaving more than 3.6 million cases in limbo.
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/27/texas-immigration-courts-judges-fired/
Author: Jaylen Galvan
Q1. (23:45) The man on the bus says, “We’re going to reach the promised land.” With a smile filled with hope on his face he then says if they get caught and sent back, they’ll do it all over again. This frame of reference shows how much hope migrants have in pursuing the journey across the border even though it's an extremely dangerous and risky journey.
Q2. (1:00:00) Robin Reineke emphasizes that free trade has affected increasing immigration rates because Mexican farmers can’t sell their product as cheaply as U.S. companies can and that kills their hope for survival.
Q3. This story from earlier this month highlights how misinformation about Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is affecting local businesses in Sacramento.
https://www.capradio.org/articles/2025/02/11/we-knew-things-were-coming-but-this-was-too-much-immigrant-owned-businesses-hit-hard-by-deportation-misinformation/
Q1: (13:33) After saying that her job is to be there for the bodies meaning to try and find out where they are from and find family members to be able to let them rest in peace, the scene changes into a school full of children who are learning about their home in El Escanito, Francisco Morazan, Honduras. Could reference the start of dreaming of a better future for young people who are capable of learning beyond their measures.
Q2: (21:58) When he mentions that the problem is not that people are coming into the U.S. through the border but that America needs blue collar labor, if Americans are not willing to do it then it is not fair that they keep complaining that another country wont send the U.S. any workers. America needs to accept the fact that they need to appreciate the people who do blue collar work and allow them to come into the country.
Q3: This article explains how immigrants actually help the jobs here grow and set a certain standard where the U.S. does not suffer as much financially. Deporting immigrants would have a huge negative impact.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/02/immigration-taking-pressure-off-the-job-market-us-economy-expert.html
1. Around 00:22:30–00:24:00 in "Who Is Dayani Cristal?", the focus shifts to a migrant shelter in southern Mexico where Gael García Bernal engages with individuals preparing to journey north. This brief scene underscores a distinctly Central American cultural lens, emphasizing collective care and spiritual resilience as migrants share prayers and find support through communal hospitality. Contrasted with the more security oriented approach often seen at the U.S. border, this cultural framework provides a powerful example of how differing values rooted in faith and solidarity shape the experience and perception of migration.
2. Around 00:55:00–00:57:00 in "Who Is Dayani Cristal?", the film highlights tensions between a U.S. humanitarian group leaving water stations in the desert and local residents who oppose these efforts. On one side, volunteers view the water stations as a lifesaving measure for migrants crossing treacherous terrain. On the other, property owners argue these stations encourage illegal crossings and trespassing. This scene illustrates a stark ideological clash: a human-rights perspective prioritizing the well-being of travelers against a property- and law-enforcement-based stance emphasizing sovereignty and deterrence.
3. An article that touches on ethical issues around how migrants are treated and the communications surrounding their movement occurred in June 2023, when Florida officials facilitated flights transporting migrants from Texas to Sacramento under questionable or misleading circumstances. The migrants, many of whom were asylum seekers, reportedly were not fully informed about where they were going or the services that would be provided upon arrival. This has sparked concern over the ethics of using deceptive communication or incomplete information to move vulnerable individuals, echoing themes from "Who Is Dayani Cristal?" which spotlights the human cost and nature of migrant journeys.
https://apnews.com/article/migrants-dropped-off-california-texas-florida-2ea4ea9cc6e976e97358c64bcae164f4
Jayden Thompson
Q1) (17:41) There is moment where a man is singing a song that says “Where are you going if there is no way out? You’ll say to him, I’m looking for God.” This shows how important religion is for their culture and how much faith they have even when they are in a terrible situations, they will trust in their religion to succeed.
Q2) (59:04) This scene talks about migrants being heroes for having the courage to come to America and put in the work to make a difference in their life for their families. However, the American system sees them as the complete opposite, and as a burden. This film really shows both sides of immigration and educates on the importance on how much of a difference it can make for migrant families.
Q3) https://www.thecgo.org/research/do-immigrants-threaten-us-public-safety/?utm_term=immigration%20effects&utm_campaign=NA_GG_S_CGO&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5827172578&hsa_cam=10168821513&hsa_grp=104825432154&hsa_ad=438363936201&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-298369389054&hsa_kw=immigration%20effects&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIopWBkNbhiwMVL4jCCB2eNyQZEAAYASAAEgK_TPD_BwE
This article covers the miscommunication and misunderstandings of immigration. Along with the ethical issues that comes along with it. This is important to educate people who are not knowledgeable on this topic.
Q1. (36:32)
Some men from different countries have a shared idea that going to America is the only way to make money and live better. This was the reason behind the journey that was shown in the film. This idea can be thought of as a cultural frame of reference.
Q2. (23:46)
In this scene a man explains the political ideology of some in America that complain about illegal migrants but refuse to acknowledge the need for blue collar jobs that the migrants fill. American workers have developed a cultural ideology of refusing to do the work that migrants do because they believe the jobs are low-level and undesirable.
Q3. In the article Sick Politicians Want Killers, Rapists Roaming Our Streets, released by the White House, claim that certain politicians want to protect illegal migrants who commit crimes. There is a lack of awareness in this assumption because the accused politicians only want to protect migrant rights and not those of criminals.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/02/sick-politicians-want-killers-rapists-roaming-our-streets/
Q1: (12:30 – 16:00) This segment showcases a Day of the Dead celebration in a Honduran village, providing insight into the community's traditions and beliefs surrounding death. Vibrant colors highlight the festive yet solemn nature of the event. Traditional music and ambient sounds immerse the viewer in the cultural atmosphere. Close-up shots of altars and offerings emphasize personal connections to the deceased. By presenting this cultural practice, the film invites viewers to understand death from the perspective of the local community, contrasting with Western perceptions of mourning.
Q2: (47:00 – 50:00) A U.S. Border Patrol agent discusses the challenges of identifying deceased migrants and the impact of border policies. The agent emphasizes the importance of enforcing laws to maintain national security. The discussion highlights the tragic human cost of these policies, questioning their ethical implications. Dim lighting reflects the somber nature of the topic. Deliberate pacing allows viewers to contemplate the gravity of the situation. Juxtaposing the agent's viewpoint with that of humanitarian workers amplifies the ideological divide.
Q3 "Border Patrol trains more chaplains as the job and polarizing immigration debate rattle agents". The article discusses how the U.S. Border Patrol is increasing the number of trained chaplains to support agents facing emotional challenges due to their demanding jobs and the polarized immigration debate. Agents deal with security threats from powerful cartels, witness migrant suffering, and face public backlash, often leading to stress, family issues, and mental health problems. Chaplain training helps agents provide emotional support to peers, aiming to alleviate distress and prevent issues like addiction and suicide. The need for confidential support systems indicates challenges in openly discussing mental health within the agency. Balancing the portrayal of agents as law enforcers and as individuals susceptible to emotional distress. Navigating the narrative between enforcing policies and acknowledging the human impact on both migrants and agents.
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-policy-election-border-patrol-chaplain-4c30a12046422d46666fed7ace413415
Q1: At 0:44:41, there are several men sitting on top of a train so they are able to travel from one place to the next. They both ask each other if it is their first time, which it is. This is not something we would see in our culture today, but is normal within theirs.
Q2: At 0:54:12, there is a discussion that migrants are not a threat to the U.S, but rather an opportunity. They are able to offer many different things and could be of great use to those who employ them.
Q3: This link highlights different feelings that Americans are feeling towards the immigration issue and how their presence in effecting America today
https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/immigration-migration/immigration-attitudes/
Q1. At (00:48), the film shows Dilcy’s friend and partner explaining why he decided to cross the border, revealing that his son had cancer and their family was in deep debt. In many Latin American cultures, it is common for men to leave their families behind to migrate in search of work, as providing for their loved ones is seen as a duty. While family and friends may wish they wouldn’t leave, they understand the difficult conditions in their home country. This scene presents a frame of reference that prioritizes family obligation and economic survival over legal concerns. In contrast, U.S. immigration narratives often frame migration as a political issue rather than a necessity for survival. The film amplifies this cultural perspective by emphasizing personal stories, shifting the focus from policy debates to the human sacrifices migrants make for their families.
Q2. At (00:51), the film highlights a Catholic priest who provides shelter for immigrants, offering them safety and support during their journey. He emphasizes that, despite the risks, migrants are willing to sacrifice everything for a better future. His statement that “poor people are the spiritual reserve of this world” reflects a value of faith and perseverance over material wealth, contrasting with Western views that often focus on migration as a political issue. The film amplifies this perspective by zooming in on the migrants’ faces, emphasizing their humanity and challenging stereotypes. This scene shifts the audience’s understanding from politics to faith and survival.
Q3. The Trump administration has overturned policies that previously designated churches and schools as “sensitive locations,” allowing immigration enforcement to conduct arrests in these spaces. Critics argue this change instills fear in immigrant communities, discouraging attendance at schools and places of worship. Religious leaders and educators worry it will undermine trust and access to essential services. Legal challenges have emerged, with some religious organizations securing temporary injunctions to block enforcement actions within their premises.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/migrants-can-now-be-arrested-at-churches-and-schools-after-trump-administration-throws-out-policies
Well done. The only major error was missing links to credible media stories per the question (-10pts). Short right to the point answers to longer expressive answers were fine. I saw across 16 students only three GSP errors. You guys might make history re the best group of student assignment comments ever!
Late comments will be deducted for being late, but something is better than nothing. After the spring break I'm going to look to see if late comments were added for the graded posts. This is a head's up to catch up--please. Great job you guys and check out the stories your classmates shared...really vast POVs worth checking out!
The above post was via Dr. Clark!
Caroline Lipscomb
Media Link for Post 6
https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/05/us/border-migrants-cell-phones-cec/index.html
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