Performing the Border as a Zone of Contestations: A Critical Analysis of Root Map

Elaigwu Ameh

doi:10.7176/rhss/9-24-10

Abstract

The plethora of meanings associated with the term “border” not only accentuates the frequent use of the word, but also implicates the border as a zone of contestations. These contestations underscore how borders covertly or overtly continue to affect the lives of millions of people across the globe. By “zone of contestations,” I situate the border as both a tangible and an intangible site that is replete with competing narratives about migration and migrants themselves. As a zone of contestations, the border eschews the idea of a monolithic story of migration; instead, it presents us with layers of stories by relocating border discourses to the realm of both the personal and the interpersonal lives of those interfacing with the border. Keywords: migration, performance, theatre, border, migrants, deontology, consequentialism DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-24-10 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Highlights

In recent years migration, again, has become one of the most controversial and emotive social and economic issues
As a zone of contestations, the border eschews the idea of a monolithic story of migration; instead, it presents us with layers of stories by relocating border discourses to the realm of both the personal and the interpersonal lives of those interfacing with the border
Apart from denouncing the fossilization of migrants into a dominant border narrative of harm and parasitism, Root Map accentuates that borders on their own are not inherently evil; it is what humans do with them that determines their effects on our lives

Summary

Introduction

Again, has become one of the most controversial and emotive social and economic issues. As a play about border experiences, Root Map, I contend, evidences the following contestations: (a) universalism versus particularism; (b) deontology versus consequentialism; (c) objectification of humanity versus assertion of subjectivity; and (d) the physical versus the intangible dimensions of the border. In view of these two aforementioned competing moral theories, I maintain that the two guards in the play are torn between (1) a strict www.iiste.org adherence to their duty as border patrol officers and (2) their awareness of the consequences of their (in)action on both their country and the hopeful immigrants.

Results

Conclusion