The chapter explores the complexities surrounding the identities and advocacy of immigrants, particularly focusing on Dreamers and African immigrants. It delves into the challenges of conforming to societal expectations, systemic barriers, and the dehumanization faced by immigrants. The conversation also touches on the criminalization of immigrants, the impact of over-policing, and the importance of recognizing immigrants' humanity without attaching criminal labels.
"A pillar of the community"." A straight-A student who dreamed of becoming a doctor". "A loving father"."Here through no fault of their own". "She was hysterical and out of control." "He was no angel."
The press, both local and national, humanizes some victims of state or corporate violence, while demonizing others. Despite good intentions and seemingly without noticing, the media all too often create tiered systems of moral worth by trying to find “the perfect victim.”
The media’s search for the perfect victim, and its corollary desire to smear those with less than perfect pasts, makes humanity conditional, further entrenching negative stereotypes and destructive narratives about entire communities.
In this episode, we dissect the real time auditing of those who die or are deported and how we can expand our moral vocabulary to protect all vulnerable people and populations.
We are joined by both Joel Sati and Charlene Carruthers.