The Ineffectiveness of the Prescribed Treatment
Abelino, a migrant farmworker, initially requested a specific treatment for his knee pain which was declined by the physicians. Ironically, after various ineffective treatments, the physical therapist noted that the treatment Abelino had initially requested turned out to be the most effective. This irony highlights the disconnect between the patient's knowledge of his own body and the physicians' reliance on medical tests over patient testimonies. This instance of irony underscores the flaws in the medical system, where the subjective experiences of patients are undervalued. Abelino's initial request was based on his understanding of his pain and previous experiences, which were dismissed by the doctors.
The Hardworking 'Illegals'
The term "illegal" is used to describe migrant workers, which suggests criminality and wrongdoing. However, a Border Patrol division chief pointed out the irony that these "illegal" migrants are more law-abiding than many U.S. citizens are. They follow traffic laws, pay taxes, and avoid criminal activities to prevent drawing attention from the authorities. This ironic situation reveals the deep-seated prejudices and misconceptions about migrant workers. The label unjustly criminalizes individuals who contribute significantly to the economy and society. Their law-abiding behavior challenges the justification for their harsh treatment and the stigmatization they face.
Legal Work, Unending Struggle
Samuel and other Triqui migrants desire to obtain legal permission to work in the United States seasonally while maintaining their Mexican citizenship. Ironically, to spend more time in their hometowns with their families, they must migrate farther away. The higher wages in the U.S. compared to closer cities in Mexico force them to endure the dangers and hardships of international migration. This irony highlights the complex and counterproductive nature of migration policies and economic realities. The need for higher wages to support their families paradoxically forces migrants to spend more time away from their loved ones. The irony also underscores the failures of the economic systems in both the migrants' home countries and the host country.
Militarized Borders
To "close the border," the U.S. has increasingly militarized and fortified its border with Mexico. Ironically, this has led to migrants, like Samuel and his Triqui friends, staying longer in the United States. The increased danger and cost of crossing the border make it less feasible for migrants to return to their home countries and then attempt to re-enter the U.S. This ironic situation reveals how policies intended to deter illegal immigration can have the opposite effect. Instead of reducing the number of migrants in the country, militarized borders trap them within the U.S.
Structural Violence and Symbolic Violence
Structural violence refers to systematic ways in which social structures harm individuals while symbolic violence involves the internalization of this harm by those who are oppressed. The irony lies in the fact that these workers accept and rationalize their suffering as natural or deserved. Holmes illustrates this irony through his ethnographic work, showing how Triqui workers blame themselves for their poor living conditions and health problems. This self-blame perpetuates the cycle of violence, which makes it even harder to break free from their oppressive circumstances.
