The Evolution of Racism in Arizona, Colonialism, Goldwater, Mecham and Arpaio, seeders of MAGA
by Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA and Vincent Perez-Mazzola
The Evolution of Racism in Arizona: From Early Beginnings to the MAGA Era
The history of Arizona is a labyrinthine tapestry woven with threads of migration, conflict, and power struggles. This state has been molded and shaped by these tumultuous forces, giving rise to a unique landscape of racism that has evolved over the centuries. From the savage oppression of Indigenous peoples to the cunning machinations of political figures like Barry Goldwater, Evan Mecham, and Joe Arpaio, racism in Arizona has taken on many forms and never truly vanished. Join us as we embark on an in-depth journey through the ever-changing face of racism in this multifaceted region.
Early Beginnings: Colonial Expansion and the Subjugation of Native Americans
Arizona’s past is riddled with a dark history of racism that stretches back to its days as a wild, untamed frontier. The land was once home to a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous cultures, such as the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and many others, who thrived in the harsh desert environment for centuries. However, with the arrival of European settlers and the U.S. government’s insatiable thirst for expansion, these ancient ways of life were brutally attacked.
The U.S. government, driven by its desire to push westward, implemented heinous policies that resulted in the forced displacement of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. One of the most infamous examples of this was the “Long Walk” of 1864, where over 300 miles through scorching deserts and treacherous terrain, thousands of Navajo men, women, and children were forcibly marched by the U.S. Army to the Bosque Redondo reservation in New Mexico. Countless perished along the way from starvation, exposure, and disease — a horrific display of the systemic racism and oppression faced by Indigenous peoples during this time.
But even after being confined to reservations, Native Americans still faced an insidious form of institutionalized racism. These designated areas were meant to strip them of their traditional lands and resources and “civilize” them through forced assimilation — erasing their cultural practices and languages.
Meanwhile, Mexican inhabitants who had long occupied the region before the U.S. annexed it also faced their struggles. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised certain rights and protections to Mexicans living in Arizona after the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848 — including safeguarding their land. However, these promises were rarely upheld. Mexicans were often swindled out of their property through legal loopholes and deceitful tactics while facing widespread discrimination in their daily lives.
This was particularly evident in the mining towns that sprang up during Arizona’s silver and copper booms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mexican laborers were systematically paid less than their white counterparts, relegated to segregated neighborhoods, and denied access to certain jobs and public spaces. This systemic economic and social marginalization laid the foundation for the ongoing racial tensions that continue to shape Arizona’s tumultuous history today.
Mid-20th Century: Barry Goldwater and the Birth of Modern Conservatism
Barry Goldwater, the five-term Senator from Arizona who is often hailed as the pioneer of modern conservatism in the United States, has a complex legacy that intertwines with issues of race. He may have laid the groundwork for conservative principles such as limited government and states’ rights, but his opposition to the Civil Rights Act 1964 revealed the underlying racial implications.
It’s worth noting that Goldwater’s stance against federal civil rights legislation was not driven by personal racism. He was known for having amicable relationships with Black individuals and even supported desegregation efforts in his home state of Arizona. However, his reluctance towards federal intervention in civil rights matters provided a platform for those who wanted to maintain oppressive segregation policies. This alignment with white segregationists, particularly in the South, played a pivotal role in the adoption of the Republican Party’s Southern Strategy, which aimed to win over disillusioned white voters who opposed the Democratic Party’s support for civil rights.
In Arizona, Goldwater’s influence helped foster a hostile political climate towards the civil rights movement. For instance, attempts to desegregate public spaces like schools and swimming pools were met with fierce resistance in cities like Phoenix. At the time, segregation was still legally enforced in schools, and any efforts to integrate them were met with vehement pushback from white parents and officials. The Goldwater era also saw discriminatory housing practices like redlining being firmly established, making it difficult for Black and Hispanic families to purchase homes in specific neighborhoods. These unjust practices have had long-lasting ramifications and continue to contribute to economic disparities in Arizona today.
Goldwater’s legacy serves as a stark reminder of how political ideologies can intersect with issues of race, often exacerbating existing inequalities. His impact on Arizona’s political landscape cannot be overstated, as it set the stage for future battles over civil rights and social justice within the state.
The 1980s: Evan Mecham’s Controversial Governorship
Evan Mecham, the controversial figure who held the position of Governor in Arizona for only one year, left a lasting mark on the state’s history. His short time in office was marred by a series of actions and statements that were racially insensitive and further divided an already polarized state.
Immediately upon taking office, Mecham rescinded the executive order establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a state holiday. He argued that his predecessor had created it unlawfully and cited the cost to the state as another reason for his decision. This move sparked outrage nationwide and resulted in a massive boycott of Arizona, with even the National Football League relocating the 1993 Super Bowl from Arizona to California in protest.
However, Mecham’s controversial actions did not stop there. He also made a string of racially charged comments that only served to deepen the divide between minority communities and the government. One particularly infamous incident involved him telling a group of Black leaders that he had “done more for Black people than any other governor in Arizona,” using his hiring of a Black secretary as supposed evidence. He also used a deeply offensive racial slur, referring to African American children as “pickaninnies.”
The backlash against Mecham was swift and unrelenting. Protests erupted throughout the state, and civil rights groups banded together to oppose his policies. The pressure eventually led to his impeachment in 1988, making him the first Arizona governor to be removed from office.
Yet, the damage had already been done. Mecham’s actions revealed the deep racial divisions within Arizona, and his legacy serves as a reminder of how political leadership can exacerbate tensions among different communities. His brief but tumultuous time in power remains a dark chapter in Arizona’s history, one where racism was not just accepted but actively promoted at the highest levels of government.
The 1990s to 2000s: Joe Arpaio and the Institutionalization of Racism
The mention of Joe Arpaio, who held the office of Sheriff in Maricopa County for over two decades, evokes strong emotions and polarizing opinions. His time as a law enforcement officer was marked by controversial tactics and policies shaping Arizona’s history.
One of Arpaio’s most notorious methods involved his treatment of prisoners, which included harsh conditions and aggressive immigration enforcement. These approaches disproportionately affected Hispanic and Latino communities, further fueling the divisive nature of his reign.
Perhaps one of the most well-known aspects of Arpaio’s tenure was the creation of the “Tent City” jail, where inmates were forced to endure the brutal Arizona heat while housed in outdoor tents. This brutal approach to punishment garnered him a reputation for being tough on crime. In addition, he reinstated chain gangs — a practice with deep roots in the Jim Crow South — and made headlines for forcing inmates to wear pink underwear as a form of humiliation. Despite facing widespread criticism for these policies being deemed inhumane, they also gained him a loyal following among those who saw him as an unwavering defender of law and order.
However, it was Arpaio’s stance on immigration that solidified his notoriety as a symbol of racial discrimination. His office became embroiled in multiple accusations of racial profiling, particularly during traffic stops where Hispanic drivers were disproportionately targeted. In 2011, this led to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Arpaio, alleging systematic racial discrimination within his department. Despite a court order requiring him to cease these practices, he defiantly continued, resulting in his conviction for criminal contempt of court in 2017.
Arpaio’s leadership coincided with the passing of SB 1070 in 2010. This contentious law required law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of anyone suspected of illegally entering the country. This legislation faced intense backlash for promoting racial profiling and was partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Arpaio proudly supported SB 1070 and used it to justify his aggressive tactics.
The lasting impact of Arpaio’s policies on Arizona’s Hispanic community cannot be overstated. Many families lived in constant fear of being unjustly targeted by law enforcement, causing deep divisions within the state. Furthermore, the economic consequences of boycotts and protests against SB 1070 and Arpaio’s practices were significant for Arizona.
Arpaio’s legacy serves as a reminder of how racism can become ingrained in institutions under the guise of maintaining law and order. His blatant defiance of federal court orders and eventual presidential pardon by Donald Trump only solidified his hero status among supporters of the “Make America Great Again” movement, who praised his unyielding stance on immigration and disregard for civil rights.
The MAGA Era: Resurgence of Nativism and Racial Tensions
The rise of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement under President Donald Trump swept through Arizona, stirring up deep-seated racial tensions in a state that has long grappled with issues of immigration and identity. Trump’s fiery rhetoric, particularly his calls for building a border wall and cracking down on illegal immigration, struck a chord with many Arizonians who felt threatened by the rapidly changing demographics of their state.
In the era of MAGA, Arizona has seen a resurgence of white nationalist groups and a disturbing increase in hate crimes targeting minority communities. For instance, in 2017, a mosque in Tucson was desecrated with shattered windows and hateful graffiti scrawled on its walls. This act was just one example of the growing animosity towards Muslim and immigrant populations that has permeated the state.
Furthermore, the MAGA movement has significantly impacted Arizona’s political landscape. In 2018, the state made history by electing Kyrsten Sinema as its first openly bisexual Senator, a victory for progressive values in a traditionally conservative state. However, this same election cycle also saw the re-election of Governor Doug Ducey, an ardent supporter of Trump’s policies who continues to push for stricter immigration enforcement and aligns himself with the MAGA agenda.
The clash between these two political currents—one advocating for a more inclusive and progressive Arizona and the other clinging to nativist and exclusionary ideals—has created a volatile environment. Protests and counter-protests have become common occurrences in Arizona’s cities as residents grapple with their state’s identity in the era of Trump.
One of the most visible manifestations of this tension was during the highly contested 2020 election when Arizona became a critical battleground state. Trump’s repeated claims of widespread voter fraud, despite lack of evidence, further stoked tensions within the state, leading to protests and legal battles. Ultimately, Arizona’s decision to turn blue for the first time in a presidential election since 1996 showcased the shifting political landscape and highlighted the deep divisions that still exist.
The MAGA era has put Arizona’s longstanding issues with race and identity into sharp focus. The state’s Hispanic population, which makes up nearly one-third of its residents, has been particularly impacted by the Trump administration’s policies. The fear and uncertainty caused by these policies have created a climate of anxiety for many in the community as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
Final Thoughts: The Seeds of MAGA Planted by Goldwater, Mecham, and Arpaio
Arizona’s struggle with racism has been a constant presence throughout its growth and development, tainting the state’s history and shaping its current landscape. Influential figures such as Barry Goldwater, Evan Mecham, and Joe Arpaio have left indelible marks on Arizona’s political climate and society.
Goldwater’s staunch opposition to federal civil rights legislation and emphasis on states’ rights laid the foundation for a political environment resistant to progress and social change. His influence on the Republican Party’s Southern Strategy planted the seeds for a conservative movement that would later find its voice in the MAGA era.
During his brief yet tumultuous time as governor, Mecham further intensified racial tensions in Arizona by revoking Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday. His insensitive remarks and policies alienated minority communities, exposing deep divisions within the state. This atmosphere of exclusion and hostility created the perfect breeding ground for the rise of MAGA.
Arpaio’s tenure as Sheriff of Maricopa County solidified systemic racism in Arizona’s law enforcement practices, primarily through his aggressive targeting of Hispanic and Latino communities. Supported by SB 1070 and fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment, Arpaio’s policies cemented xenophobia and nativism as central elements of the MAGA movement. His eventual pardon by President Trump only reinforced his status as a hero to the movement, perpetuating harsh and discriminatory approaches to immigration and law enforcement.
The lasting legacies of Goldwater, Mecham, and Arpaio serve as a sobering reminder of how political leadership can either challenge or perpetuate systemic racism, with far-reaching consequences for both the state and nation. As Arizona continues to progress, it is imperative to reflect on its troubled past to confront the persistent racial issues that continue to plague the state today.