6 Comments
author

I think it’s wonderful that Hochschild spent all these years living with these communities and sharing her insights. Interesting that Dems are *more* likely to cut off communications based on ideological divide than Republicans. I agree Michael, Trump as “their bully” is an interesting perspective.

I agree with her conclusion that (1) dignity is the unseen force, like dark matter in the universe, that explains behaviors that are difficult for Democrats to understand, and (2) we all need to keep out the uncomfortable work of trying to understand each other.

How do we increase the sense of dignity of those who feel disenfranchised? UBI is the only solution that I am aware of in this department, and I know the jury is still out on its efficacy, perhaps there are others.

Expand full comment
author

The idea of Trump as the "good bully" is a useful piece of analysis.

Expand full comment

What Ms. Hochschild forgot to mention is that the Tea Party came to being after Obama was elected president. Thus a significant cause of "the rise of the right" is racism.

Expand full comment

I was going to post something here, and I actually wrote it, but with Trump's re-election, I am honestly afraid to post it. The American Democracy experiment has ended. Freedom of the press will be a memory soon.

Expand full comment
author

I hope you'll reconsider, Cindy. We'd love to hear what you have to say.

Expand full comment

Education is a key component of this separation. From the early efforts of no child left behind ( from which many were left behind) the gulf began to enlarge. Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps was not going to be enough. For many people it became necessary to leave your home/state in order to advance and many were rooted in their communities and not willing to go where the jobs were available. Our priorities have changed. Not sure it’ll ever be what it was before.

Expand full comment