Guest guest Posted June 14, 2004 Report Share Posted June 14, 2004 Recently the list-serve distributed a NEW YORK TIMES article on the Sonoran desert ( " Border Desert Proves Deadly for Mexicans " ) that implied that summer heat was a leading (if not " the " leading) cause of death for men and women who cross the border. According to THE TUCSON CITIZEN ( " Crashes Eclipsing Heat as Top Causes of Migrant Deaths, " June 5, 2004), there were more deaths of border crossers since October 1 (2003) caused by auto accidents (n=12) than heat-related causes (n=9). Since the number of deaths caused by exposure to cold was seven, there were 16 deaths due to " elements of nature, " versus twelve due to auto accidents (competition from intrusive technology). An additional 15 deaths from unknown causes since October 01 raises the total to 43. Now, go back to the list-serve article (May 23) and note that " 43 " is from the Border Patrol (only processed bodies), compared to the figure of 61 supplied by the Mexican Interior Ministry. Neither " 43 " nor " 61 " is broken-out by cause in the Times article, which is detailed in the Tucson Citizen article. Note how the Times report brings together in one sentence, " The season of death " (quote from a representative of the Border Patrol), and the figure of 61 from the Mexican Interior Ministry, rather than distinguish two systems of data collection. Whereas a border between nations precipitates crossing perils, journalistic representation removes the boundary between record keeping systems. V Bletzer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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