in the story, "Borders", why did the narrator's mother want to travel to the US?

Answer 1

In the story "Borders" by Thomas King, it is not explicitly mentioned why the narrator's mother wanted to travel to the US. However, the story revolves around the theme of border crossing, identity, and cultural belonging. The narrator's mother, like many other Native Americans, is part of the Blackfoot Nation and identifies strongly with her indigenous heritage. The Blackfoot Nation encompasses both the United States and Canada.

Throughout the story, the narrator's mother refuses to declare her nationality when questioned at the border crossing between the US and Canada. She claims that she is a "Blackfoot" and repeatedly states that the border, signifying the divide between countries, does not exist for her because the Blackfoot Nation transcends these imposed boundaries.

Her determination not to declare a nationality indicates her resistance against the colonial powers, who have historically enforced borders that restrict Indigenous people's movement and land rights. It suggests that her desire to travel to the US may be driven by either personal reasons or a desire to challenge the Western-imposed borders that separate her people.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that her motivations for going to the US are rooted in a personal connection to her husband, who is said to have been born in the US. Despite their separation, she is determined to visit him, even if it means navigating the complex world of borders and immigration restrictions.