Two good examples come to mind when discussing the impact of an increasing migrant presence and political radicalization. The United States of America and South Africa. Donald Trump won the Republican ticket and subsequently the 2016 presidential election due to his mobilization of the conservatives on the promise of putting America first and Making America Great Again (MAGA).The phrase 'America First' is not clouded in ambiguity, and President Trump didn't mince his words and actions to hide what he meant.The wall separating Mexico and USA began construction amidst praise and fanfare from the far-right contingent. This wall was meant to prevent not just the Mexicans but the whole Latino community from central and south America from setting foot in the 'great' USA again via the porous Mexico border. Other policies introduced by President Trump like massive deportations and making it harder to get legal representation for immigrants were also a tune to the same song, not to even mention 'The Caravan' a highly publicized multitude of people making their way to the border. How else would the outspoken Trump win the Republican ticket and the election without radicalizing the far-right populace to view migrants as the enemy? If there wasn't a large enough population of migrants in the USA would the Trump rhetoric have taken shape? My guess is he would have needed a very different campaign strategy. On the other hand, in South Africa, Xenophobia has taken root due to the population being told that other Africans are taking their jobs and business opportunities. Politicians would rather rile their voters and fuel the rhetoric rather than attempt to deal with unemployment and lack of empowerment to do business.
Alvine Spencer
Comments: 0