The book follows the lives and challenges of Triqui migrant farmworkers from Oaxaca. Seth Holmes analyzes the narrative framing migration as a personal choice, highlighting the structural forces driving immigration. Holmes begins with a poignant introduction that frames the core question many migrants face: whether crossing the border and enduring the subsequent hardships are worth the risk. As such, he criticizes the media and societal discourse that frames migration as an individual choice involving personal risk-taking. This narrative obscures the structural forces that compel migration, such as extreme poverty and lack of opportunities in their home regions. Holmes underscores that for his Triqui companions, crossing the border is a survival strategy and not a reckless choice.
Holmes immerses himself in the lives of the Triqui people, working and living alongside them. He documents the physical and psychological toll of their labor, including exposure to pesticides, unsanitary living conditions, and constant threats of injury and illness. Through vivid narratives, Holmes conveys the harsh realities the workers face, illustrating the direct connection between their socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
The book examines the systemic racism and social hierarchies in the agricultural industry, where workers are segregated based on ethnicity and citizenship. Indigenous Mexicans, like the Triqui, occupy the lowest positions, and their suffering is normalized and invisible to the public and healthcare professionals. This hierarchy is perpetuated by what Pierre Bourdieu calls "symbolic violence," where social inequalities are internalized and accepted as natural.
Holmes discusses the medical treatment of migrant workers, revealing how clinicians overlook the social determinants of health. The "medical gaze" focuses on individual pathology while ignoring social and economic factors that lead to victim-blaming. Holmes advocates for a more holistic approach that acknowledges and addresses the root causes of migrant health issues.
The author emphasizes the need for "pragmatic solidarity" involving active participation in efforts to improve the conditions of oppressed communities. He suggests practical measures like including farmworkers in English classes, improving pesticide safety, and creating fairer employment practices. He calls for a multi-level methodology toward solidarity that spans from local initiatives to structural changes. Holmes remains positive about the potential for change by highlighting examples of resistance within farming communities.
