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"The Wall" is a psychosomatic phenomenon, an effort to separate the American body politic from human bodies that might penetrate into the interior of this American body.
Donald Trump believes the United States had lost it greatness (MAGA) because too many immigrants have entered into and are residing within the nation. Porous national boundaries mean it is too easy for foreigners to seep in.
Donald Trump’s open gambit many years ago that was the source of everything that followed:
"When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending the best. They’re sending people that have lots problems and they’re bringing those problems. They’re bringing drugs, they’re bring crime. They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people."
This statement has defined Trump's policy since then and shaped national discourse.
Boundaries of a nation are walls of the state, like walls of a house or room. Porous walls are the body of a promiscuous woman that lets people in too easily.
The United States is imagined as a woman who cannot protect herself--in danger of being penetrated by Mexican rapists and other foreigners.
America is too easily penetrated, unable or unwilling to protect herself. Immigrants creep in from down below. America is easily penetrated. To overcome being exploited, America has to become stronger; walls have to be built. Trumpism is rage against weakness. Sadism as a defense against masochism.
DATA FROM THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ON IMMIGRATION AND CRIME: Compared to citizens born in the Unites States, undocumented immigrants in Texas are less than half as likely to be arrested for violent crimes or drug offenses. Undocumented immigrants have lower felony arrest rates than both legal immigrants and native-born citizens. They are less likely to commit crimes or to become incarcerated.
US born citizens compared with undocumented immigrants are 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes and over 4 times arrested for property crimes.
Sealing the holes in the body politic. Fear of rape. No one must penetrate. The United States as a vulnerable human body. “Orifices and entry points must be sealed.”
Immigrants as alien bodies flowing into the American body. Paranoia as hysteria. Paranoia generates hysteria. Fear of being penetrated.
Constructing tight boundaries are a reaction to the fear of penetration. “Protecting the rear” (Hitler’s phrase).
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