This blog post is part of observations from the 2024 Elections. This link is to the next post scheduled to release November 28, 2024: https://haveacupofjohanny.com/whats-going-on/2024/11/28/the-election-day-conundrum-undecided-voters-and-what-it-means-for-all-of-us/↗

The concept of Latinos aligning with right-wing ideologies in the United States perplexes me deeply, but I’ve come to realize that there’s a complex history and set of psychological factors at play here. At first glance, it seems contradictory: many Latinos come to the U.S. fleeing authoritarian regimes, corrupt governments, and broken economies in search of safety, opportunity, and freedom. Yet, some find themselves drawn to political ideologies that don’t necessarily advocate for the inclusion or prosperity of immigrant communities and other communities, particularly the Black community that have paved the way for inclusion that benefits us ALL. This identity crisis that manifests as self-hate and self-destruction (voting for leaders who do not have our collective best interest at heart) has to do with the complexity of the Latin community dynamic, which has roots in cultural, historical, and sociopolitical contexts that are worth exploring.

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Understanding Black Pain and Frustration

In today’s climate, I see why Black creators and leaders are expressing feelings of betrayal from communities of color that align with right-wing politics. For Black communities, these alliances feel like a step backward, especially when such ideologies seem to work against racial equity and justice. There’s a profound hurt in feeling that the term BIPOC, which once represented solidarity, is losing meaning because of political divides. As a Latina, I understand how complex solidarity can be, but I also recognize that Black voices have led the fight for social justice in this country, and they deserve to be centered. This post is not an attempt to justify or defend the actions of any group but to reflect on the historical and psychological factors that shape Latino/Latine/Latinx perspectives.

Escaping Authoritarianism and Communism

One factor behind this misalignment is fear—specifically, the fear of communism and authoritarianism. For many Latinos, the idea of socialism or anything that even hints at it triggers memories or stories of home countries where government overreach crushed economies and personal freedoms. Political messaging targeted at the Latino community often plays into this fear, warning that the left represents communism, socialism, or the seeds of authoritarianism.

This messaging, while often misleading, has power because it taps into a very real trauma for many Latino immigrants and their families. To someone who has witnessed their country fall under a tyrannical leader or seen family members suffer under oppressive governments, any idea linked to “socialism” can feel threatening. The nuances between socialism, communism, and policies that lean left-of-center are often blurred in these conversations, leading to a knee-jerk reaction to align with the right as a form of self-preservation.

Colonial Ideals and Cultural Conditioning

Colonialism, too, has a lingering effect on Latin America. Generations of Latinos have inherited a complicated relationship with identity that includes a deep-seated desire to align with those in power. For centuries, our societies have absorbed the ideals of our colonizers—ideas about class, race, and authority that still shape our cultural norms today. Many Latinos who immigrate to the United States unconsciously carry these colonial ideals, believing that aligning themselves with the dominant group (white, conservative, or “Americanized” culture) is the path to success and safety.

In this effort to blend in, Latinos may strip themselves of cultural markers that make them visibly different. They may lose their accents, change their clothing styles, or alter their natural hair texture—all in an attempt to assimilate and be accepted. This erasure of identity often comes from a belief, ingrained over centuries, that survival means being as close to the dominant culture as possible. It’s a painful reminder of how colonization continues to affect our perception of self-worth and identity, even generations later.

Catholic Roots, Religion, and the Family Values Appeal

Another critical factor in the right-wing appeal to Latino communities is the emphasis on “family values.” Many of us come from Catholic or deeply religious backgrounds, where family and tradition are paramount. The majority of Latin American countries are strongly influenced by Catholicism or conservative Christian values, which emphasize family, marriage, and social stability. These values are deeply embedded in our culture, and they guide how many Latinos approach life, make decisions, and raise their families.

Right-wing messaging often taps into these values by framing themselves as the protectors of traditional family structures, religious freedoms, and conservative moral values. Terms like “family values” and “religious freedom” resonate strongly within our community. To some, the left’s support for progressive social policies can feel like a threat to these core beliefs. When right-wing politicians position themselves as guardians of family and tradition, it creates a strong emotional pull for Latinos who value those ideals deeply, even if it sometimes means aligning with policies that may not serve their broader interests.

The Identity Crisis of Latinos in the United States

This brings us to the core issue: identity. Latinos in the U.S. are caught in an ongoing struggle between embracing their cultural heritage and surviving in a society that often sees them as “other.” Many feel an urge to fit in with the superior class in the hope that they’ll be accepted, respected, and given equal opportunities. The problem is, as many of us eventually realize, no matter how much we change ourselves to blend in, we are rarely truly accepted as equals.

From my own experience, I know how deeply ingrained this need to conform can be. As a kid, I tried to drop my accent, dress “American,” and straighten my naturally curly hair. I did everything I could to align myself with the dominant group, hoping it would lead to acceptance. But the reality is that, no matter how much we try to adapt, the “superior” class is always aware that we are not one of them. When we are no longer useful or convenient, they remind us of our outsider status. This painful truth is one that many right-wing Latinos will eventually face, forcing them to reckon with the reality of their place in American society.

The “Come to Jesus” Moment for Right-Wing Latinos

I believe that, eventually, right-wing Latinos will face a reckoning—a “come to Jesus” moment, if you will. They may begin to realize that no matter how closely they align themselves with conservative ideologies, they are still viewed as outsiders. The same people who may support them when it’s politically convenient are often the first to turn away when they no longer serve a purpose. This realization can be harsh, but it’s a necessary step in understanding where we truly belong, how we can and should align ourselves with other communities fighting for equality and inclusion, and how we can embrace our identity without seeking validation from those who will never fully accept us.

This isn’t to say that all Latinos should think or vote the same way. We are a diverse community with varied experiences and beliefs. However, it is important to recognize the historical, psychological, and cultural forces that drive certain segments of our community to align with ideologies that don’t necessarily support us. At the end of the day, embracing our identity and understanding our own history can empower us to make choices that honor our roots rather than erasing them.

The Call for Solidarity and Self-Reflection

As Latinos, we have a responsibility to examine our own biases, fears, and historical baggage. Our struggles may differ, but the fight for equity is a shared one. Black communities have led the charge for justice, often paving the way for other marginalized voices, including ours. Recognizing this, it’s essential for us to show up, reflect on our choices, and understand how our actions impact others in the struggle for equality. Solidarity isn’t just about aligning politically—it’s about mutual respect, empathy, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about our history and identity.

A Path Forward

The current discourse offers an opportunity for reflection. We need to ask ourselves difficult questions about identity, historical influence, and the choices we make in the voting booth. This conversation isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. As Latinos, we can’t fully support justice for our own communities if we ignore the injustices faced by others, especially those who have long been our allies in the fight for equality. Embracing our heritage, acknowledging our colonial history, and striving for solidarity will ultimately lead us to a stronger, more united future.

In navigating this identity crisis, let’s remember that our power lies in unity, not assimilation. We don’t have to shed who we are to belong. Instead, let’s reclaim our narrative, build our communities, and advocate for policies that benefit all marginalized voices. Only then can we create a path forward that honors our heritage and respects the struggles of our allies.