In her new book, “Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America,” journalist and author Paola Ramos delves into a complex and often overlooked aspect of American politics: the growing right-wing sentiment within the Latino community. Ramos’s research, which follows her earlier book, “Finding Latin-X: In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity,” challenges the long-held assumption that Latinos are a unified, progressive voting bloc.
Her investigation reveals a small but expanding segment of the Latino population that has gravitated towards Trumpism and far-right ideologies. Ramos argues that this phenomenon is not simply a matter of political allegiance, but rather a manifestation of deeper historical and cultural forces. She points to Latin America’s long history of colonialism, colorism, and authoritarianism as key factors shaping the political beliefs and anxieties of some Latinos in the United States.
Ramos highlights the impact of caudillos, the strongmen figures who emerged from the wars of independence from Spanish colonial rule, and their enduring influence on Latin American politics. She suggests that the appeal of Trump and other strongmen figures, particularly when it comes to issues of immigration and border security, resonates with certain segments of the Latino population due to their historical experiences with authoritarianism.
The book also explores the role of evangelical Christianity and the rise of Christian nationalism within the Latino community. Ramos examines the historical legacy of the “doctrine of discovery,” a legal framework that justified European colonialism and the enslavement of indigenous populations, and its lingering impact on the political consciousness of some Latino evangelicals.
Ramos’s research is both groundbreaking and unsettling. She challenges the notion that all Latinos are inherently progressive or that they share a unified experience of immigration and identity. By engaging with the diverse voices and perspectives within the Latino community, she reveals the complexity and nuance of this demographic group and the crucial need to move beyond simplistic stereotypes.
In a conversation with Vogue, Ramos discusses the personal challenges of conducting her research, particularly as a queer woman engaging with individuals who hold deeply prejudiced views. She acknowledges the inherent discomfort and danger involved in interviewing people who subscribe to hateful ideologies, but argues that understanding the motivations and experiences of these individuals is crucial to addressing the rise of extremism within the Latino community.
The book’s findings have significant implications for the future of American politics. Ramos’s analysis demonstrates that the Latino vote is not a monolith and that the traditional assumptions about the political leanings of this demographic are increasingly inaccurate. The rise of the Latino far right poses a significant challenge to the Democratic Party and highlights the need for more nuanced and targeted political strategies. Ramos’s work compels us to re-examine our understanding of the Latino community and the complexities of identity, history, and political affiliation in the United States.
