Unit Two - Border

I thought that this unit was very interesting; I enjoyed the quotes by Gloria Anzaldua. One of her quotes that stuck out to me the most, was one describing borders as a hemorrhage that flows before a scab can actually form; one can always feel the pain it caused. When my professor explained the quote to us, then related it to some areas in Toronto, I found it really interesting and true. My professor also mentioned third world areas and first world areas in Toronto. She said that some third world areas have first worlds in them, and some first world areas have third worlds. She gave us two examples:

Third World Country with a First World Area

• There are places in Africa that are really bad; people are living in poverty and suffering. They have no food, money, or education. But, right beside those areas, there are people living as if those issues do not exist. The have big houses, nice cars, and a lot of money. This is an example of a third world country with a first world area because the environment that she is speaking of is typically bad, and a lot of people live in poverty. But, there are a few people who live there and have a ton of money, and do not have to endure the suffering that the poor people have to.

First World Country with a Third World Area

• Canada is considered to be a first world country, but it does have some "bad" areas. Toronto is Ontario's capital, and some areas there would be considered "ghetto" or "bad". Like Regent Park for example. Canada is a nice place to live, but Regent Park is an area that has a lot of poverty; even generations of poverty. There are poor Blacks, poor Whites, poor Orientals, etc. There are people who used to have middle to high class socio-economic statuses while in their other countries, but come to Canada, and end up living in a place like Regent Park.

Also, there is a place called Cabbage Town right beside Regent Park, and it had plenty of nice Victorian style houses that are all side by side. So it is interesting to see that a "ghetto" area can be right beside an upscale area, and still have people struggling and suffering.