The Bipartisan Divide In Hispanic Miami
If you strolled by any Hispanic-dominated neighborhood this election year, you would be bombarded with political yard signs for either Donald Trump or Joe Biden.
It’s easy to assume neighbors weren’t friendly with each other, as the yard signs often seemed like an indirect political competition with the house next door.
But what has caused such a divide between voters has been the fear-mongering injected into the media consumed by Hispanics. There’s the constant warning of communism to Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Cubans, the threats of deportation to Central American, and many others.
Republicans and Democrats are fighting for a grip on vulnerable voters and fostering bipartisanship in their neighborhoods. But to understand why Hispanics are so vulnerable to these stunts, we must learn the history.
Cubans are first-class victims. They are constantly told that Democrats—or the “radical” left—is trying to create a communist regime similar to the one Fidel Castro brought upon the island. Political ads capitalize on the trauma Cubans suffered at the hands of dictators just to get its party a vote.
Venezuelans have the same issue. Republican ads say that a candidate who wants to combat economic inequality, close the healthcare gap or reduce the cost of education is just another socialist dictator like Hugo Chavez Frias.
Mexicans and Central Americans face similar tactics. Democrat propaganda capitalizes on their fear of being deported—as has happened to many of their country people—to earn their vote.
This is not to say that Hispanics don’t have valid concerns about these issues and other issues. Some want the government aid their native countries never gave them, a fair immigration policy and to live the American Dream. Others prefer a government that gives people opportunities rather than aid or simply want to prevent history from repeating itself.
But Democrat and Republican ads take it too far. Many Hispanics weren’t raised in the United States and still struggle to differentiate between capitalism, communism and socialism, yet they are thrown unfounded labels—such as communist Democrats or dream-destroyer Republicans—that have led to an extremely divided political climate. All cesspools of repeated ideas with no backings to them, but enough to fool people with sensational headlines.
Hispanics need to learn to not jump to conclusions when they see a partisan political ad or yard sign. Not every Democrat is a communist baddie or every Republican a fascist who hates poor people. Political parties are trying to capitalize on your fears so don’t let them—be smarter than the bipartisan divide and do your own research about the candidates. You might be surprised by what you learn.
