April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Local youth describe conditions in Mexico
Their experiences are chronicled in a new book, "Border Witness: Youth Confront NAFTA," produced by the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition, which is co-chaired by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. The book includes photos and commentary of youth from around the state who traveled to the U.S.-Mexican border earlier this year.
According to Emily Wistar, a student at Bethlehem Central High and one of the local youths featured in the book, "We saw so much. I hope that the book can spread what we saw. Then people can benefit from the delegation without having to go on one."
Witnesses
Peggy Keogh, a student at Guilderland High, agreed, saying: "I hope that when people see the book they realize that others don't have it as good as we do."While in Mexico, Peggy, a member of St. Lucy's parish in Altamont, witnessed people living on a garbage dump, and children dressed only in t-shirts and diapers who were running barefoot on glass-covered streets.
In addition, she said, young people often go to work in order to help their families. Children as young as age 12 can get fake working papers and go to work in factories known as "maquiladoras" to make car parts for American-owned companies.
Factories
In addition to car-parts maquiladoras, which employ more than one million people, Mexicans produce everything from grocery bags to underwear. The factories have significant tax and tariff benefits due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).While many Mexicans were living in poverty prior to NAFTA, the treaty hasn't improved conditions. Prior to NAFTA, those working in maquiladoras would make an average of $15.77 a day. After NAFTA, the average wage is $5.12 a day. In addition, the employees lost all benefits after NAFTA.
According to Peggy, there has been an environmental impact as well. Hazardous waste flows into villages, and the country has experienced an increase in Hepatitis A and birth defects.
"No one should have to live and work in those conditions," said Emily, 16, "especially for American-owned companies."
Making a difference
Both girls suggest giving "Border Witness" as a gift in order to help educate people. They see the book as something people of every age group can appreciate.Sister Catherine Kruegler, Free the Children liaison for the Labor-Religion Coalition, agreed. She said junior high students through senior citizens would enjoy the volume.
"It's a gorgeous book," Sister Catherine said. "It's full of over 50 full-color photos. All through the book, there are words of our local youth as they reflected on this unimaginable situation on our border."
Hope for future
While the working and living conditions are poor, Emily hopes that people can learn from the book that the people of Mexico are not without hope."Despite the poverty, they are not always unhappy," she said. "They still have hope, especially the teens."
One teen she met in Mexico dreams of becoming a lawyer so that she can help those living in her village. "It's up to us to help them," said Emily.
("Border Witness: Youth Confront NAFTA" is available for $30 plus $3.50 shipping and handling through the NYS Labor Religion Coalition at 459-5400 or at O'Connor's religious goods store in Latham.)
(12-06-01) [[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.