Immigration
Brenda Walker and Dan Amato Inject Anti-Immigrant Fervor into the Blogosphere
POSTED: May 12, 2009
As xenophobic groups and individuals continue to vilify undocumented immigrants, particularly Latinos, at rallies, in the media, and on their Web sites, some anti-immigrant figures are using blogs as a vehicle to showcase their bigotry towards immigrants. Some of these blogs are independent, while others are attached to well-established anti-immigrant Web sites. The bloggers' informal posts reveal their stereotypes of immigrants and expose their ties to other xenophobic activists.
In keeping with the themes that anti-immigrant figures and groups consistently promote, these bloggers decry multiculturalism, demonize Latino culture, and portray undocumented immigrants as criminals who undercut the fabric of the United States.
Brenda Walker, based in California, and Dan Amato, based in Pennsylvania, are two of the most prolific and outspoken of these bloggers. Though located on different coasts, they have used their blogs to unite readers across the country under the anti-immigrant umbrella. Walker and Amato are not just interested in having fans who read their posts; they have encouraged readers to take action or support the movement financially. They have capitalized on blogs to express their views and connect followers and readers to developments in the anti-immigrant movement.
Both Walker and Amato came to the movement in different ways but found a home in the blogosphere. They decided that blogging is the most effective way to disseminate their views to a mass audience and can serve as a springboard to real-world action. Their blogs have attracted the attention of anti-immigrant activists and racists who invite them to participate in rallies and conferences. At these events, Walker and Amato, along with other speakers, target non-white immigrants as invaders who threaten the quality of life in America.
