"Boarder Patrol State"

I think that Ms. Silko had very valid points about racial biases when she discusses her experiences and stories with the boarder control.  In many countries this is the norm, people are judged based on appearance by national security.  I know I have heard stories before like the ones Ms. Silko point out in her essay.  I agree with her in that these people are making assumptions based on race and the biases that each person brings to the table affect others.  My parents lived near Mexico for a few years and I remember hearing so many board control stories. One time, we had crossed the boarder and we went into Mexico to shop and then when we were crossing back over into the United States, we were stopped by the boarder control because it was summer time and my older sister has long dark hair and is very tan.  They asked us a series of questions and we were able to drive through after awhile, but as Ms. Silko points out, people initially look at outer appearances and make judgments.  Even though I think this is not the best method, I do appreciate that United States is watching the boarders closely and not letting just anyone in. Being cautious and careful is better than not.  Having said this, I can honestly say, that as a Caucasian in the United States, I have not personally faced being discriminated against because of my race so I do not know exactly how Ms. Silko feels.  I know that these situations that Ms. Silko bring up are very valid, but I cannot think of a solution because I think everyone naturally has some type of biases, whether that be against a race, religion, or gender.     

This summer, when I traveled to the Middle East, I experienced for the first time what Ms. Silko describes in her essay.  I was on the receiving end of racial bias.  I traveled to Israel and customs as an American trying to enter Israel is more difficult than I ever imagined it would be.  It literally took at least four hours to get through the boarder, while it took other individuals from certain others countries no time at all.  So many questions were asked and they treated us very poorly.  As an American, it was as if we had a huge red target on our backs going through the boarder.  The boarder control assumed many things and asked so many questions.  Like Ms. Siko points out, they do not care about your time; they are on their own schedule and they think they can do whatever they want with you.  It was a unique experience and I cannot imagine having to deal with that in a country I call home.  This experienced definitely opened my eyes to different biases people have and has taught me to not treat others in this same manner.