'Against Mexico: The Making of Heroes and Enemies' Featured on PBS NewsHour

[LPB]

Each year dozens of men suit up in the uniforms of Texian rebels and Mexican soldados, pitch tents and recreate the Tejas of 175 years ago in the name of remembering and celebrating the legendary uprising against Mexico. Produced by Michelle García, AGAINST MEXICO: THE MAKING OF HEROES AND ENEMIES is a short documentary that illustrates how myths and history of wars and battles informs perceptions about ‘heroes’ and 'enemies' and how the echoes of history can be heard in current debates about who is entitled to claim the mantle of 'American.'

As part of their election coverage featured on 'The Rundown', PBS NewsHour explores what role this plays:

At first blush, a group reenactment of Texas' 1836 battle to secede from Mexico has little to do with today's political environment. But the notion of what it means to be an American is an issue that continues to stir up strong emotions, and resistance to a strong federal government can be seen in elections across the country.

To read the entire blog post and to watch AGAINST MEXICO, please visit the PBS NewsHour website. You can also watch the full documentary on the LPB website. 

Voters' views and opinions are further explored in the PBS NewsHour campaign 'Listen to Me' where voters across the nation are being asked what issues matter the most to them, whether or not they are hopeful about the future and if they think the political system is broken. You can follow 'Listen to Me' here.