The Empathy Exams

Jamison crosses the US-Mexico border on her way to a literary gathering in 2010. She speculates that the vague term applied to the gathering hints at debauchery as well as professionalism. The gathering will take place in Tijuana and Mexicali, and she reflects on how in past years these places have had a reputation for being violent and dangerous. Jamison notes how someone told her “about living in Tijuana during the worst months—not so much about living under the constant threat of violence, but about talking about living under constant threat of violence,” drawing a distinction between living during traumatic times and having the time to process what is going on around you (58).

Jamison describes the Avenida Revolución in Tijuana, where most bars have been abandoned because there are no longer tourists visiting. On the street itself, men and women try to make a living selling curio items designed for tourists, but no one is there to make any purchases. Although the hotels and bars are empty, Jamison does not understand or feel the fear other people have talked about.

The next morning, she meets Paola and Adán, who are joining her in route to Mexicali, where the rest of the literary meeting will take place.