Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies, Harmful Systems
Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies, Harmful Systems
In his book Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies, Seth Holmes writes that “...crossing the border is not a choice to engage in a risk behavior but rather a process necessary to survive” (Holmes, 35). This opens up an opportunity for reflection on how American society perceives those who cross the border looking for work in the United States. In this 178-page book, anthropologist Seth Holmes records his experience migrating and working with the Triqui people of San Miguel. He mixes his theories with action in order to strengthen his research about the way immigrants are affected by racism and anti-immigrant sentiment. As his book progresses, he further explains the socioeconomic disadvantages that these workers are faced with, as well as how the healthcare industry works against them.
Due to the fact that this research focuses on such a difficult political topic, this book provides heavy information regarding the suffering that immigrants go through. Despite it being painful to read about, this information was necessary and I ended the reading feeling like I gained a deeper understanding of the shortcomings of the government and healthcare system when it comes to protecting the lives of migrant workers. I found the most impactful chapters of the book to be chapters 1, 4, and 5. The first chapter captured my attention due to the fact that it analyzed the perspectives of both Mexicans and Americans on immigration. For example, viewing crossing the border as a voluntary decision as opposed to them not having a choice. The quote mentioned at the beginning of the post, stating that “...crossing the border is not a choice to engage in a risk behavior but rather a process necessary to survive” (Holmes, 35), perfectly encapsulates the hardships that these workers go through. Holmes’ writing challenged my preconceived notions that immigration is voluntary. My father is an immigrant from Mexico and I was able to talk about his experience coming to the United States. His experience, while equal in difficulty, was different from those who came to find employment as field workers. Comparing stories like my father’s and those of the migrant field workers allowed me to understand that success in immigrating, in many cases, is due to luck and having connections. Another section which truly opened my eyes to the negative connotations society places on these immigrants’ jobs was in chapter 7. Here, Holmes states that terms such as “farmworkers” and “migrant workers”, among other similar titles, hold negative racial and class-based connotations. He points out the fact that the term “farmworker”, while technically applicable to everyone who works on a farm, is only used to label workers who harvest the crops. Additionally, the term “migrant worker” should apply to any and all workers who leave their hometown to pursue career opportunities, “however, wealthy people who migrate for work… are never represented by these terms” (Holmes, 166). These terms use class and race to diminish the importance of these jobs and add a negative meaning to them. By using these diminutive terms, society is able to forego acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices that these workers make.
While I don’t usually read texts such as this one, I truly believe that anyone interested in immigration reform should read this. Holmes’ writing is eye opening and he provides a first-person perspective that confirms the suffering of the immigrants that work tirelessly to provide a better life for themselves and their family. I can say with confidence that this book has influenced my perspective on how damaged the immigration system is. After reading this I am more familiar with how these hardships, while they are rooted in our government, can be prevented in order to make fieldwork, and immigration as a whole, less dangerous for those seeking a better life. He emphasizes the need for structural change, stating that "... health reform legislation must be broadened to include structurally vulnerable populations, such as migrants” (Holmes, 39). Technology can be a huge component in going forward with these advancements. New technology will in turn make healthcare more accessible for these workers and will help them physically and mentally healthier, as it will ease their bodily pains and the mental toll the work has taken on them. More resources concerning how to assist these workers can be found on Holmes'website.
“Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies.” Seth M. Holmes, https://www.sethmholmes.com/fresh-fruit-broken-bodies.
Holmes, Seth M. Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies Migrant Farmworkers in the United States. Univ. of California Press, 2014, Follet BryteWave, https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/220965/sp/178883022/mi/570560790?cfi=%2F4%2F2%5Bc1%5D, Accessed 2022.
Holmes, Seth. “Our Food System Hurts: Living with Migrant Farmworkers - Youtube.” YouTube, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTS9FdddXDY.
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