Custom's officers with a heart

Gustavo Quintero
English 48B
March 11, 2008
Journal #39 Sui Sin Far




Quote:
"The second customs officer regarded her pittingly.
'I don't like this part of the business,' he muttered"(Far 881).



Summary:
The two customs officer's turn to one another and show pity that they are about to keep the little boy from entering into the United States.



Response:
I wanted to comment on this quote because it shows a striking description of the Custom's officers that played completely against the way I thought they were going to react. My first thought was that the Officers would be rude and discriminating. This type of job sort of holds itself to these type of people. Plus these men surly dealt with thousands of people per day. So for them to show any remorse in what they were about to do really does surprise me. The pity and remorse that these men show makes them look more like genuine caring men. Imagine having to guide thousands of immigrants through these detention centers and show pity for every single one. You would think that eventually they would become numb to this sensation or feeling and would eventually not even begin ti care. That is why I found the description of these men so surprising. I really was expecting the men to be racial bigots who simply could not care less about the injustice they were doing to the little boy's family.

This theme of racial immigration brings up a thought that I have had for a long time. How do border police of Mexican heritage and families feel about arresting, turning back and deporting men, woman and children from their same culture. When I spent three years in the active army and was in the process of getting out of the army I was told by many of my superiors that I should become a border agent. I already know Spanish so that would be a plus. The one thing that I could not bring myself to do is to arrest people that one of my same heritage or race knowing that they are trying to come into California for a better life. The thought of doing this would tear me apart. I just could not do it. Especially considering that my parents entered illegally years ago. I would feel that I am doing something wrong even though it is my job.