Latinos Shifting to Trump Because They Have ‘Internalized Racism,’ Journalist Claims
Journalist Paola Ramos blamed “internalized racism” for why Latinos are leaving the Democratic Party and supporting former President Trump. This trend is covered in her new book, “Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means.”
Ramos appeared on PBS’ “Amanpour & Company” this week to address the trend. She noted that Trump appears to be outperforming his 2020 support among Latinos, particularly on handling the economy and immigration. The Democratic Party’s advantage with these voters is shrinking, according to NBC News, whose poll last week found the Democrats’ edge is at its lowest level in the past four presidential election cycles.
In discussions with Trump-supporting Latinos for her book, Ramos identified “tribalism, traditionalism, and political trauma” as the three driving forces behind this growing trend. She emphasized that understanding the racial baggage from Latin America’s colonial past is crucial. This internalized racism and colorism manifest in American politics, making it possible for Trump to tap into racial and ethnic grievances among Latino voters.
Traditionalism and trauma also play significant roles, according to Ramos. Traditionalism stems from centuries of colonization, leading to rigid views on gender and sexual norms, and a tendency to admire Christian nationalism. The trauma associated with this admiration contributes to many Latinos flirting with strongman rule.
Ramos’s book aims to provide a deeper understanding of this complex issue, highlighting the need for empathy and dialogue to address the underlying factors driving this shift in Latino voting patterns.
