I found Josh Kun's argument that the official US cultural border has no narrative fascinating. He contends that the US government and its policies promote little more than intrusive surveillance, biased legislation, and, consequently, distrust amongst people on both sides of the border. The narrative comes from the various reactions to this experience. The border is articulated and expressed through the retellings of the daily performances and "rituals" of the borderland peoples.

The use of the word "ritual" made me sit back and think. Clearly, the word has a religious connotation, yet I believe that the inherent value it its use here is more indicative of a transcendent, communal experience closer to something a shaman would preach rather than a Catholic priest. How do the daily activities and "rituals" of the borderland people transcend the surface level of their actions? How are religious icons and portrayals used by both the borderland people and the US government to further their agenda (or lack of one)?