Los Angeles has, for decades, been lauded for its chill way of life and fabulous cultural melange. Large parts of the city have transformed dramatically over the last 30 years. Once, though, it was called a conservative stronghold, notorious for racial segregation and a reputation for heavy-handed police presence. As of late, recent developments have thrust Los Angeles back in the national spotlight. So far, the Trump administration has placed the city in the eye of their storm against urban decay and social unrest.
For almost the entire 20th century, Los Angeles was a radically different political landscape. It had flourished under the guidance of many Republican and Democratic mayors. Even with its reputation as an inclusive, progressive bastion, the city implemented policies that routinely pushed out or limited minority communities. Life in Los Angeles at this time was deeply influenced by a brand of virulent conservatism. This law and order mentality came at the cost of inclusivity and equity.
Recently, California’s economy has begun to outgrow that of the entire United Kingdom. As a byproduct, Los Angeles is at the epicenter of the national conversation about immigration and crime. In a recent campaign missive, former President Donald Trump called Los Angeles a “once great” city. He argued that illegal immigration has flooded the city and contributed to an increase in crime. His administration was adept at portraying a city in crisis. A full devastating year of public safety was lost as he conditioned funding on anti-what he called “socialism” and lawlessness.
Kristi Noem, Trump’s last Homeland Security Secretary, further fanned this narrative when she described Los Angeles as “the city of criminals.” She pleaded for national intervention to help bring order back to her community. She echoed the sentiment of so many political pundits. Second, they are confident that when law and justice appear seriously undermined, the executive branch needs to exercise an iron fist.
“In those [places] in which law and justice have been manifestly corrupted, or in which lawlessness, immorality, and dissolution reign, national government must intervene energetically to restore order.” – European Conservative
Mike Davis’s seminal book, City of Quartz provides a perfect backdrop for this dialogue. In it, he weaves a rich tapestry of the socio-political landscape of Los Angeles. Davis’s work paints a picture of how the city’s legacy of right-wing politics and segregation have produced the intractable racial and class divides city today.
Many residents and activists argue against the oversimplified narrative of Los Angeles as merely a failed city. Protests against right-wing populism have intensified, reflecting a robust urban resistance movement that challenges the portrayal of Los Angeles as a hotbed of criminality. These protests signal an equally powerful countermovement to populism. They testify to the city’s progressive bona fides.
Tempers flare as community views meet head on. Yet, bijan, better known by his online handle the race in the world, pointed out that freedom to call diversity a problem.
“Diversity is not our strength: it is a very serious and difficult challenge.” – Nick Timothy
Amid this barrage of military and political intimidation, the city fell under an unprecedented military occupation. This act is almost unheard of in American history. The move has raised new concerns over civil liberties and governmental overreach, as it touches on the broader issue of how cities should govern in times of social turmoil.
Trump’s statements hit a particularly extreme note when he pledged to “liberate” Los Angeles. He imagined bringing the city back to a condition he referred to as “free, clean and safe again.” This one hits home with communities tired of seeing crime and homeless encampments increase. At the same time, it addresses key concerns about the real danger of democratic freedoms being sacrificed for authoritarian control.
As Los Angeles writes the next chapter of this on-going story, its residents continue to wrestle with what future lies ahead. The urban pushback to right-wing populism is not a lost cause. It raises an important debate about the potential intersection between governance and social justice.