The Big Lie: How Hitler's Propaganda Tactic Resurfaces in Modern Politics

The hate spread by Trump and his associates has had serious consequences. Springfield has seen death threats, bomb scares, and the temporary closure of schools and City Hall. Haitian residents describe an atmosphere of fear and hostility, with their safety endangered by baseless lies. This unjust vilification not only affects the Haitian community but casts a shadow over all Caribbean-Americans, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and deepening social divisions.

Indeed, the Haitian residents of Springfield have already been confronted by curious Americans asking whether they eat pets. Such questions reflect the ignorance many West Indians have encountered in the US, such as being asked how long it takes to drive from Jamaica to Barbados, or if people live in coconut trees. This is the soft bigotry of profound cultural and geographical ignorance.

There is a broader pattern of anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States, deeply rooted in anti-Black racism. The notion that immigrants pose a threat to society is a recurring theme, historically manifesting in policies and attitudes that dehumanise people based on nationality or skin colour. The portrayal of Haitian immigrants as “the other” fuels a narrative of alienation and isolation, overlooking their positive contributions to American society and the economy.

As Mark Twain observed, history rhymes. The mythology of the United States as a beacon of liberty has long stood in contrast to its exclusionary practices based on race and nationality. Immigrant groups have consistently faced prejudice. From 1882 to 1917, laws excluded Chinese immigrants. One hundred years ago, national origin quotas were established to restrict immigration from non-Western European regions. Trump’s presidential travel ban on individuals from Muslim-majority countries further entrenched patterns of discrimination.

We fear the long-term impact of racialised stereotypes against the people of Haiti, a fellow CARICOM member. These portrayals undermine the rich cultural heritage and resilience of Haitians, who continue to contribute meaningfully to their communities despite immense challenges. These harmful stereotypes are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader system of oppression aimed at marginalising people of colour and undermining their dignity.

These facts should not go unnoticed by the approximately 4.4 million Caribbean immigrants living in the United States, nearly two-thirds of whom are naturalised citizens. With a naturalisation rate higher than the general foreign-born population, at about 49 per cent, Caribbean-Americans hold significant political power. Confronting racism and xenophobia in daily life, at the ballot box, in the workplace, and in communities, is essential.

It is also significant that Kamala Harris, the woman seeking to lead all Americans, is herself the daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother. Since entering the presidential race, she has been the target of racist attacks. Her opponent’s reluctance to condemn such hatred is a clear attempt to appeal to white supremacists in an era marked by extremism and disinformation. This strategy not only seeks to rally white voters but also aims to stoke unrest should he lose.

The dangers of the Big Lie cannot be overstated. The impact of such tactics, exacerbated by voter apathy, is unpredictable and potentially devastating. The fight against racism and the manipulation of truth is one we cannot afford to ignore.