George T. Diaz, “Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling Across the Rio Grande” (U. of Texas Press, 2015)George T. Diaz, “Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling Across the Rio Grande” (U. of Texas Press, 2015)
New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
In Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling Across the Rio Grande (University of Texas Press, 2015) Professor George T. Diaz examines a subject that has received scant attention by historians, but one that is at the heart of contemporary debates over ...
49:33•8 Nov 2016
Smuggling Secrets: The Hidden History of the Rio Grande Border
“I thought: how could that be, considering it's such a clandestine activity, right, it's very, very difficult to find records of these guys and women who are smuggling, and there are women smuggling also.”
Imagine a world where folk songs and court documents tell the story of a community living in the shadows of legality. That's exactly what Professor George T. Diaz uncovers in his fascinating book, 'Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling Across the Rio Grande'. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction, and Recovery', Diaz takes listeners on a journey through the intricate dance between state regulations and the everyday people who found ways to skirt them.
From petty smuggling to full-blown trafficking, Diaz's research shines a light on the cultural world of contrabandistas who operated along the U.S.-Mexico border. Through memoirs and newspapers, he paints a vivid picture of how these communities responded to the tightening grip of border enforcement, creating their own moral economy in the process. If you're curious about the roots of today's border issues or simply love a good historical deep dive, this episode is a must-listen.
It's not just about smuggling; it's about understanding the complex human stories behind it.
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