A recent post from the official White House X account, (formerly Twitter) has been a large online debate. Many people have called it uncalled for, disrespectful, insensitive, and dehumanizing. The video features footage of migrants being deported, edited to follow a popular online trend, known as ASMR.
What is ASMR?
Surely, we have all heard of what ASMR is. But what exactly is it? ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It’s a popular term used by people that uses specific sounds that help calm people down, whether for relaxation or sleeping.
The post has already had over millions of views, and captures a part of the deportation process by focusing primarily on the sound. it includes clanking chains and handcuffs, boot shuffles, and the hum from an aircraft. It has sparked an already large controversy revolving around illegal immigration.
Many people already have mixed opinions. Some people say that it’s something good to hear, and others are absolutely against it and find it inappropriate.
A known advocate for migrant rights and coordinator with the American Friends Service Committee, Benjamin Prado, has criticized the video and saying how it’s an attempt to instill fear on others, presumably migrants.
How did it gain popularity?
It first began with Elon Musk, replying to the video on X (formerly twitter), saying, “Haha wow” alongside with emojis and a medal. The White House then later reposted the video.
While it is true that deportation operations took place during Joe Biden’s term in office, the Trump administration’s attempts to make a public presentation out of its deportation efforts, including Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, delivered warnings to undocumented immigrants that the government will hunt them down, which truly shows to the public its dehumanization of immigrants.
Data obtained by NBC News showed that 41% of people detained by I.C.E. in the first two weeks of February had no previous criminal charges or convictions. Trump’s mass efforts of deportation has raised allegations about racial profiling by federal officials.
Credited sources:
10news.com
msnbc.com
