Latinos for Trump signs at day four of the 2016 RNC | Photo via Voice of America
Trump won the Hispanic men’s votes by a slim margin against Kamala Harris, and he also gained more Hispanic votes in the last election compared to previous ones. This trend is also seen in the way they vote in local elections, with many supporting Trump surrogate candidates. It should come as a big surprise, considering the harsh anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies directed mostly at Hispanic immigrants from Latin American countries. What’s going on? What’s the dynamic at play that could explain the seeming contradiction? It seems psychosocial-economic dynamics are at play.
A recent study has shed some light on the phenomenon. It was found that established Hispanics, those who’ve lived legally in the country for many years, view themselves differently from the newcomers and effectively dissociate themselves from them. The racial denial is fueled by the highly negative characterizations of the new or would-be immigrants by conservatives or Republican politicians and some sectors of the news media. The cruel treatment of them by law enforcement officers does not help. In some cases, Hispanics identify themselves as white to distance themselves from those they perceive as not their people, or those of different nationality, or Hispanics with lesser social status.
Another important contributing factor is the diversity of people from Latin American countries. The term Hispanic encompasses a large and diverse group of people. Each nationality considers itself distinct from the rest, such that a Colombian sees itself as different from an Ecuadorian or a Peruvian, despite shared racial ancestry, colonial and linguistic history.
“From a practical point of view, many had voted for Trump in the hopes that he would improve the economy and deliver his other promises. However, the faltering Trump administration’s efforts to improve the lives of his less privileged supporters and the plight of Hispanic immigrants do not bode well for everyone.”
What also complicates the matter is the negative perceptions, biases, and stereotypes attached to nationalities within the Hispanic community. It erodes the ability of Hispanics to have a common identity that transcends their perceived differences.
Acculturation, integration, and the adoption of American values can influence one’s self-identity, facilitating a greater identification with mainstream American mores and ways. It has increased the gaps between the well-established Hispanics and those who are not yet socially integrated.
From a practical point of view, many had voted for Trump in the hopes that he would improve the economy and deliver his other promises. However, the faltering Trump administration’s efforts to improve the lives of his less privileged supporters and the plight of Hispanic immigrants do not bode well for everyone. It will be a test to see if the growing support among Hispanics for Trump and the Republican Party will continue in future elections.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Fernando B. Perfas is an addiction specialist who has written several books and articles on the subject. He currently provides training and consulting services to various government and non-government drug treatment agencies regarding drug treatment and prevention approaches. He can be reached at fbperfas@gmail.com.
