Journalist Paolo Ramos delves into the complex factors driving the growing support for former President Trump among Latino communities, attributing it to internalized racism stemming from colonization.
Journalist Paola Ramos, daughter of renowned journalist Jorge Ramos, has sparked a thought-provoking discussion about the underlying factors behind the growing support for former President Trump among Latino communities. In her new book, "Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means," Ramos argues that internalized racism, a product of centuries of colonization, plays a significant role in this political shift.
Ramos contends that the experience of colonization has left many Latinos grappling with racial identity and a sense of inferiority. This internalized racism, she suggests, manifests itself in a desire to assimilate into the dominant white culture, which, ironically, may lead them to embrace far-right ideologies that perpetuate the very biases they seek to escape.
The Rise of Internalized Racism: Explaining the Latino Shift Toward Trump
In conversations with Trump-supporting Latinos for her book, Ramos identified three primary driving forces behind this trend: tribalism, traditionalism, and political trauma. Tribalism, she explains, refers to the tendency of individuals to identify with groups based on shared characteristics, such as race or ethnicity. This can lead to a sense of ingroup favoritism and outgroup hostility, fostering divisions within society.
Traditionalism, according to Ramos, stems from the social norms and values prevalent in Latin American cultures, which often emphasize gender and sexual norms that may conflict with progressive values in the United States. By aligning themselves with Trump, who often appeals to traditional values, some Latinos may feel a sense of familiarity and belonging.
The Rise of Internalized Racism: Explaining the Latino Shift Toward Trump
Political trauma, as Ramos describes it, refers to the experiences of exclusion and discrimination faced by Latinos in the United States. This trauma can lead to a sense of resentment and a desire for a strong leader who promises to restore order and security. Trump's rhetoric, which often taps into fears of societal decline and a loss of national identity, may resonate with some Latinos who feel marginalized by the changing social landscape.
Ramos also highlights the role of gender and sexuality in this political shift. She suggests that the far-right movement provides a platform for Latinos who identify as LGBTQ+ to express their rejection of progressive values and embrace traditional gender roles. By aligning themselves with Trump, these individuals may seek to assert their masculinity and disassociate themselves from perceived societal threats to their identity.
The Rise of Internalized Racism: Explaining the Latino Shift Toward Trump
Ramos' analysis underscores the complexity of the Latino experience in the United States. While many factors contribute to the growing support for Trump within this community, internalized racism remains a significant underlying factor. It is essential to recognize the historical and cultural context that shapes these political choices and to address the deep-seated issues that continue to divide society.
