The Gist The Bane of the Blue Collar
Jul 2, 2025
Joan C. Williams, a Professor at UC Hastings, dives into the disconnect between the left and the working class. She discusses her book, highlighting how union decline and elite cultural codes have fueled working-class resentment. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of animated films and the fallout from the Me Too movement at Pixar. Williams emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to reconnect with blue-collar workers by addressing their economic insecurities and fostering genuine communication.
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Union Support Still Resonates
- Union support remains a key issue for the working class despite low union membership today.
- Democrats must leverage pro-union sentiment and labor market policies to reconnect with working voters.
Cultural Divide Shapes Politics
- Cultural differences separate college-educated Democrats from working-class voters.
- Blue collar values emphasize discipline and authenticity, often clashing with elite progressive sophistication.