The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
“A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine. Fabulous!”
Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film & documentary maker
May 2014 issue
by Damien Schumann
In some places difference is celebrated, in others it is ostracized. In isolated events response to difference is
generally a subconscious action, but in places where two differences meet, the product of actions is heavily contrasted
against its execution.
On the border between the United States of America and Mexico two worlds meet. They could not be more different.
The differences are so extreme that the region has become its own entity. Here people live in contrast, one cannot hide
from it, but this is only because they are next to each other. Its existence is based on two neighbourhoods that live far
apart, but who are dependent on each other in one way or another. It is the understanding and treating of the ‘other’
that determines a relationship as symbiotic or parasitic. This is best exposed where two worlds meet.
Borderline is the imaginary line where worlds meet. It is the divide between right and wrong. It is a wall of ignorance
that has to be destroyed. It is the frontier that has to be crossed in order to make progress.
This is a chronicle by a person from a third world - an outsider to the environment, but a commoner to the conditions.
This is a series of observations and thoughts extracted from a process, in search of a conclusion.
A boy looks at a passing border patrol helicopter from a playground in Ciudad Juarez. The Border separates him from
El Paso. It is said that El Paso is the second safest city (for its size) in the USA, while Ciudad Juarez has the highest
murder rate in the world.
Bikers from Ciudad Juarez unite to make a stance against crime, violence and drug trafficking in their town. Activism
like this is found in numerous sub-cultures across the city.
A spectator mocks the matador at a bullfighting match in Tijuana after disgracefully failing to kill the bull. The Mexican
community in Tijuana embrace their cultural roots and still support many age old traditions like bullfighting.
Two boys rest during an Anime festival in Tijuana. Attended by 11 000 people, this is one of the biggest Anime
gatherings in Mexico and represents a growing curiosity in international culture.
Crosses on a pink backdrop line the city of Ciudad Juarez. They represent locations where women were found
murdered. There are no confirmed reasons for these femicides, especially since ransoms were not asked. Black
market organ trade and snuff pornography are some suspected industries linked to the killings.
Since 9/11, border security has tightened causing an increase of low quality heroin on the Mexico side of the border.
Cartels have taken to broadening markets on this side of the border to sell what they cannot smuggle into the USA.
Here men inject after new syringes have been distributed to prevent HIV infection.
In a protest for peace, two men prepare to hand out ‘Free Hugs’ in the violent Ciudad Juarez that registered 229
murders in January 2010.
A boy watches from a bus as a peace protest marches past.
In the change room of a transvestite strip club in the ‘Zone of Tolerance’ (as it is known in Mexico), or ‘Boystown’ (as it
is known in the USA) found in Reynosa. Dancers design and make their own outfits which they perform in. Many
Americans cross the border to frequent Boystown and access alcohol, sex and drugs that are illegal in the USA.
On Cordoba beach not far from the border of Tijuana a man builds a bridge out of sand. In the distance, in the shadow
of extreme luxury found on this beachfront is a military base that prevents the bridging from Mexico to the USA.
A girl joins her first Gay Pride march in Ciudad Juarez. These events have become popular with all spheres of the
community as pressure to work together to fight crime and violence has tightened.
A boy stands by photographs of his family. His mother has tuberculosis and is currently doing well on treatment. By
testing early and adhering to preventative measures, she managed to reach a point in her treatment where she is not
contagious anymore. The rest of her family remains TB negative.
In a clinic in El Paso, no patient goes beyond the waiting room without an assessment of their health insurance. All
treatment is dispensed depending on what can be paid for. I enquire about treating contagious diseases – TB
particularly – free treatment will eventually be dispensed, but only after extensive evaluations have been done to prove
that the patient cannot afford treatment. By the time this point is reached, up to 15 people in the community could also
be infected with TB.
The border between Tijuana and San Diego used to be used as a volleyball net in previous, more relaxed times. Since
9/11 border security has tightened on the USA side causing many issues regarding migration. Today anyone crossing
this line is dealt with in a criminal way. As recently as the 1980s people used to work in the USA and live in Mexico, the
crossing being a daily routine between cities which are practically one. The tightening of border control has segregated
families due to the difficulty in crossing frequently.
The military have been deployed to Ciudad Juarez to control the cartel warfare and drug trafficking. With orders to
shoot-to-kill they hold extreme power in the city. This has caused much distress in communities as everyone is treated
as a suspect. Traffickers have been along the borders for decades, and communities know how to deal with these
challenges, now they are finding themselves the victims. There have also been numerous incidences of bribery,
corruption and an increase in prostitution since their arrival, not to mention the increase in violence.
Michaella is transgender, working as a sex worker because no one will hire her in a mainstream job due to her identity.
This stigma has pushed many transgenders and transvestites to sex work against their will. For most it has been
accepted as an occupation but that does not make it right. They receive much abuse from police and other community
members who are prejudice to their identity. Michaella leads an organisation fighting for the human rights of sex
workers and transgenders in Tijuana. Through her efforts a platform is being developed for sex workers to operate
safely.
A donation of teddy bears find a new purpose for a patient who has to receive daily IV drips in an under equipped clinic
in Reynosa. The bears were originally donated for children to play with but have found their way into rooms to be used
as resting pillows due to the lack of rescources.
A shopping centre in San Diego. Heavily contrasted to the
markets across the border, the USA/Mexco border is a
unique place to witness the extremities of where the
developing world meets the developed world.
At a paella festival in Tijuana a child observes a python
that is on show from the national parks board. Tijuana is
taking strong measures to promote their city as a cultural
hub instead of a ‘party town’.
