From "Gringos Malhechores" to "Bad Hombres": The Changing Narratives and Politics of the Mexican-American Border

The Mexican-American border has long been a key feature determining the relationship between the two neighboring nations. Over the last two centuries, the border has had many different meanings for both Mexicans and Americans. During some periods it has represented a space of cooperation and interdependence. However, for much of the last two centuries, the border has been portrayed as a dangerous place which must be secured in order to eradicate critical threats to one of the nations. In this chapter, we illustrate how throughout much of the nineteenth century, for Mexico, the border required protection against the criminals and malefactors from the north, while since the twentieth century Mexican transborder activities have been portrayed as a threat to America’s economy, security, and identity. The changing mental maps of the Mexican-American border have significantly influenced the relationship between both countries, particularly hindering greater cooperation and integration.