The Good Fight
Arlie Hochschild on Trump Voters, Old and New
Feb 12, 2025
Arlie Hochschild, Professor Emerita of Sociology at UC Berkeley, discusses the emotional landscape of Trump's supporters, focusing on fears of empathy among the left. She explores how economic decline has affected pride in working-class communities and the complexities of political identity in rural America. Hochschild dives into the narratives shaping Latino voters' unexpected support for Trump, revealing deeper motivations and the interplay of individual versus collective pride that influences political alignment.
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Quick takeaways
- Empathy is essential for bridging political divides, yet many struggle to engage with their own communities due to fear of compromising beliefs.
- The emotional narratives surrounding pride and loss in white working-class communities significantly influence political allegiance, particularly towards charismatic leaders like Trump.
Deep dives
The Value of Empathy in Understanding Political Differences
People often struggle to empathize with fellow citizens who hold different political views, fearing that understanding them may compromise their own beliefs. This resistance to empathy is particularly evident among academics who readily explore foreign cultures but neglect their own society's divisions. The importance of engaging deeply with local communities is emphasized, highlighting that such efforts can foster a greater understanding of the emotions and circumstances that shape political sentiments. By cultivating empathy, individuals can recognize the shared humanity in others, even those with whom they profoundly disagree.
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