Professor Tyler Austin Harper from Bates College discusses the misrepresentation of rural America, critiquing the media's portrayal of 'hillbillies' and the disdain for these Americans. They explore the need for empathy and cultural understanding to bridge the urban-rural divide, shedding light on the complexities of rural identities and the motivations behind rural voters' support for Trump.
Labeling based on race and location leads to misunderstandings in American division.
Critiques 'White Rural Rage' portrayal of rural Americans, debunking stereotypes.
Therapeutic libertarianism trend in elite circles challenges societal pressure for constant self-reinvention.
Deep dives
Exploring the Impact of Demographic Divisions on America
Diving into how demographics affect American division, the podcast discusses the negative consequences of labeling groups based on race and location. The speaker, Chris Stierwald, shares insights on how political demography has led to misunderstandings, such as misidentifying Hispanic voters. Stierwald reflects on media coverage focusing on rural areas like Appalachia, highlighting the divisive narratives perpetuated by national media.
Challenging Assumptions in 'White Rural Rage'
The conversation shifts to the book 'White Rural Rage' by Paul Waldman and Tom Schaller, critiquing its portrayal of rural Americans. Stierwald and guest speaker Tyler Austin Harper dismantle the book's arguments, pointing out its lack of nuanced understanding of rural issues. They explore how the notion of 'hillbillies' in media perpetuates negative stereotypes and fails to address the real challenges faced by rural communities.
Deconstructing Political Violence Claims
The examination delves into the book's assertions on rural Americans' predisposition to political violence. Stierwald and Harper critique the flawed analysis, citing examples that debunk the book's claims. They highlight research that points to suburban and metropolitan areas as centers of such sentiments, counter to the book's narrative on rural populations.
Analyzing Narratives of Rural America and Urban Myths
The conversation navigates through the historical depiction of rural areas as exotic and dangerous, drawing parallels to media representations. Stierwald and Harper unpack the cultural constructions that perpetuate myths of rural life and the impact of such narratives. They challenge the dichotomy between urban and rural identities, questioning the tendency to villainize rural populations.
Critiquing Trends in Personal Growth and Therapeutic Liberalism
Diving into the trend of therapeutic libertarianism and personal growth, the discussion touches on Molly Roddin Winter's memoir 'More' and the polyamory trend in elite circles. Stierwald and Harper critique the societal pressure for constant self-reinvention and the pursuit of limitless experiences. They unravel the disillusionment stemming from the obsession with personal growth and its impact on relationships and societal perceptions.
Was it your racism or economic despair that made you vote for Donald Trump? That’s the question media outlets are asking white people in the Rust Belt and Appalachia, much to the dismay of guest-host Chris Stirewalt.
In today’s episode of The Remnant, Chris is joined by Tyler Austin Harper—a professor at Bates College—to discuss his piece for The Atlantic critiquing White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy. Join the two as they break down coastal journalists’ mischaracterizations of rural America, the disdain for these Americans, and why it’s good to interact with people culturally different than yourself.