Authoritarianism: A Comment
11 Pages Posted: 29 Mar 2012
Date Written: March, 27 2012
Abstract
What is behind the current wave of anti-immigrant fervor? Racism? Nativism? National security concerns? A recent article by Camilo Ortiz posits that psychological authoritarianism explains the recent outbreak of vigilantism and harsh law better than any of these other motives. My essay agrees with Ortiz and shows how understanding anti-immigrant sentiment in these terms advances our understanding of it. Once one understands how the syndrome underlies much of the current reaction toward immigrants, particularly ones from south of the U.S. border, it becomes easier to frame measures to limit some of its excesses. I argue that Mr. Ortiz’s interpretation constitutes a significant advance in our understanding of social attitudes toward immigration and immigrants and can pave the way toward more sensible policies in this troubled area.
Keywords: Immigration, Nativism, Race, Civil Rights, Latinos and the Law, U.S.-Mexico border
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