Martín Espada "Floaters"

The transcript discusses a poem from a new book by WW Norton, inspired by a viral photograph of Salvadoran migrants who drowned crossing the Rio Grande. The poem addresses public reactions, including grief, outrage, and skepticism, and explores the term 'floaters' used by Border Patrol. It narrates the lives and tragic deaths of the migrants, Oscar and Valeria, and critiques societal responses to such tragedies.

What was the initial reaction to the viral photograph of the Salvadoran migrants?

• Confusion

• Celebration

• Grief and outrage

• Indifference

What does the term 'floaters' refer to in the context of the poem?

• A type of bird

• A fishing technique

• A term for drowned migrants

• A type of boat

Who are Oscar and Valeria in the poem?

• Journalists

• Border Patrol agents

• Photographers

• Salvadoran migrants

What action did Oscar take before the tragedy occurred?

• He moved to another country

• He started a new job

• He bought a new house

• He sold his motorcycle

How does the poem describe the reaction of the Border Patrol to the photograph?

• They were supportive

• They were skeptical

• They were outraged

• They were indifferent

What does the poem suggest about the authenticity of the photograph?

• It was a painting

• It was questioned by conspiracy theorists

• It was definitely fake

• It was edited by the media

What is the poem's final message regarding the deceased migrants?

• To forget their names

• To remember and honor their names

• To question their existence

• To ignore the incident