Episode 661: ARLIE HOCHSCHILD-STOLEN PRIDE: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right
Sep 17, 2024
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Arlie Hochschild, a bestselling author and sociology professor, delves into the complexities of American politics and societal emotions. Drawing insights from her latest book, she explores the ‘deep story’ of rural America, filled with feelings of loss and pride. Hochschild discusses how nostalgia shapes voter behavior and the emotional toll of economic decline in communities. She emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue to mend societal divides, highlighting the risks of political manipulation and the emotional mechanisms driving far-right support.
The podcast highlights how feelings of loss, pride, and shame among white, non-college educated voters significantly influence their political allegiance and emotions.
It emphasizes the need for open dialogue between differing political views to foster understanding and empathy in an increasingly polarized society.
Deep dives
Understanding the Shift to the Right
The podcast discusses the significant political shift observed in regions like Pike County, Kentucky, particularly among white, non-college educated voters who feel marginalized and economically abandoned. These voters had historically supported the Democratic Party but have increasingly aligned with the Republican Party and figures like Donald Trump. The discussion emphasizes the need to explore the underlying emotional and cultural reasons driving this shift, focusing on deep-seated feelings of loss, pride, and shame that influence political affiliations. The political landscape is further complicated by factors such as the decline of coal jobs and the rise of a drug crisis, which contribute to the perception of a diminishing way of life.
The Role of Emotional Narratives
The podcast highlights the importance of emotional narratives, specifically how shame and pride shape individuals' political beliefs and actions. It suggests that many voters in economically declining regions experience a 'pride paradox,' where feelings of pride are intertwined with a sense of shame related to their socioeconomic status. This emotional conflict can exacerbate feelings of resentment towards perceived outsiders and fosters a belief that their struggles are ignored by mainstream politics. By recognizing these emotions as crucial components of individuals' identities, the podcast advocates for a deeper understanding of how these feelings manifest politically.
Trump's Exploitation of Shame
The conversation reveals how Donald Trump capitalizes on the emotions of his supporters, particularly by transforming their feelings of shame into a collective sense of identity and pride. Trump presents himself as a voice for those who feel disenfranchised, framing himself as a victim of a biased media landscape while simultaneously empowering his supporters to retaliate against those who shame them. This manipulation of emotions leads to heightened division and hostility, as supporters rally around a narrative that vilifies others, reinforcing their loyalty to Trump's cause. The podcast warns that understanding this emotional strategy is essential for addressing the rise of far-right ideologies.
The Importance of Community Conversations
The podcast emphasizes the critical need for open dialogue between individuals with differing political views, particularly in swing states where opinions are polarized. It suggests that face-to-face conversations can bridge gaps and foster understanding, with research indicating that conservatives may be more receptive to being influenced through personal interactions. The call to action encourages listeners to engage with those who may not share their beliefs, promoting empathy and reducing emotional rigidity. This approach aims to create a more inclusive political discourse and combat the narratives that fuel division within society.
ARLIE HOCHSCHILD is the author of best-seller, STRANGERS IN THEIR OWN LAND: Anger & Mourning on the American Right. Five years talking with folks in Southern Louisiana revealed a “deep story” that holds their political contradictions together - they’re waiting in line for the American Dream and Democrats help others - Blacks, Latinos, LGBTQ - cut in front of them. In her new book, STOLEN PRIDE: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right, she takes readers to Pike County, Kentucky. In the nation's whitest and second poorest congressional district , she looks again at the intersection of jobs, culture, emotion, and politics.
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