Racism and colonial identity debates resurface in Latin America

Recent events surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup have reignited debates regarding racial hierarchies and the concept of “whitening” in Latin America. High-profile incidents, such as racist insults directed at Kylian Mbappé—including comments from Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla—and controversies involving Argentine fans and players, have brought these issues to the forefront.

The discussion is further complicated by political actions, such as Argentine President Javier Milei voting alongside the United States and Israel against a United Nations resolution concerning transatlantic human trafficking. These events have prompted a re-examination of why nations like Argentina continue to project an identity rooted in European heritage.

Historically, many Latin American republics adopted colonial ideologies that equated whiteness with civilization and progress. This legacy is reflected in 19th-century nation-building efforts, such as those in Argentina, where intellectual frameworks like Sarmiento’s “civilization and barbarism” promoted European immigration while marginalizing indigenous and African identities.