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Editor's Note: Roberto Izurieta is director of Latin American Projects at George Washington University. He has worked in political campaigns in several countries in Latin America and Spain and has been an advisor to the presidents Alejandro Toledo of Peru, Vicente Fox of Mexico and Álvaro Colom of Guatemala. Izurieta is an analyst of political issues at CNN in Spanish. Both Roberto Izurieta and Sandra Torres worked on the Álvaro Colom campaign
(CNN Spanish) - The results of the latest survey commissioned by CNN on the attitudes of Americans regarding immigration and diversity are very stimulating; especially at this time, when we feel that the principles and values of the nation are being questioned.
I think that it was a shock to most to know the conversation between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodimir Zelenski. For the Republicans it was, to say the least, an inappropriate action; For everyone else: illegal. Much more serious and disorienting was when President Trump again confused us by doubling his bet and announcing that he will ask the same of China. That is, to investigate the son of his campaign opponent, Democratic candidate Joe Biden, who was vice president of the Barack Obama administration. It is in these moments when we feel that we are losing the north, the principles and values. However, this CNN survey on the very fiber of the nation can give us hope that this north is not being lost; at least on issues of immigration and diversity.
The survey is not easy to interpret, so I want to write down my own interpretation. For my work and profession I read surveys weekly. Most are easy to interpret. But those that involve principles, values, attitudes and emotions are the most difficult to read, however complex and apparently contradictory. This is one of those few.
The main result of this survey is broad support for diversity. 81% of respondents believe in the fundamental concept that different races, ethnic groups and nationalities enrich American culture.
This result is very clear and firm but, in addition, the positive is that it has grown in recent years, with an 11% increase since 2016. This means that the negative political discourse on immigration has not worked. Moreover, the level of support for racial diversity and immigration as an essential component of American culture has increased. It is also totally consistent with another response from the respondents, and the vast majority of Americans (2 to 1) reject the way President Trump is handling this issue.
Another positive result of the survey is that, despite the political rhetoric of the last three years, most of the acts of discrimination (or places where they are exercised) have not increased. Most of the discriminatory actions to which the majority of minorities (American blacks, Hispanics, Asians) have been subject to have not increased, but rather decreased. It should be noted that, while there is no increase, they are definitely very high levels to be accepted in a civilized nation: For black Americans in particular, 17% of acts of discrimination occur in the workplace; 27% in restaurants or bars; 19% when trying to rent a place to live and 5% when they vote.
There are at least two results that call us to alarm and action: 51% of blacks and 25% of Hispanics are afraid for their lives because of their race or origin. This percentage has increased since 2015 when it was 45% for black Americans and 20% for Hispanics.
To this we must add another alarm factor and that is observed in the increase in discriminatory threats that the Hispanics consulted have received in more open places such as shopping sites, which have risen from 6 points since 2015, from 18% to 24%
What does this contradictory result tell us? That while the general population is more aware and sensitive about the facts of discrimination (at least conceptually), there are radical minority sectors that have been strengthened, grouped into their extremist social networks. Fed by aggressive political rhetoric (and false news) they commit acts of discrimination and even violence, as confirmed by the increase in reports of attacks against minorities - especially Hispanics - in recent years. The aggressors are emboldened in spaces where they can cowardly cover up their acts in anonymity and avoid being racist in the workplace, voting or when they rent a home.
At a time when political rhetoric seems to be changing our principles and values, and we fear the effects of racist anti-immigrant discourse, this survey tells us that, on the contrary, the principles and values in favor of diversity have been strengthened.
Some may rightly argue that people respond in the poll to "politically correct." Well, being clear about what is politically correct can be a sign that we know assertively and recognize what is right. Without a doubt, the next step is to do the right thing.
President Trump's strategy is to strengthen his electoral base, not to look for independents. The electoral base of the president is around 30 or 40%. This percentage allowed him to win the election (through the designation in the electoral college, but it is good to remember that he lost by the popular vote with almost 3%). The intermediate election was also a defeat. While the Senate retained, only one third was in dispute and even that third was favorable to the president. His strategy is to bet on his political base. But in the face of discrimination and support for its anti-immigrant rhetoric, its base shrinks and that is very positive for society. The moral, for now, is very simple: do not bet on extreme opinions and be more conciliatory with those who do so, not to push more and more to the extremes.
Elections 2020 United States CNN Survey Racism