Summary:

In “Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right,” sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild explores the political divide in America by immersing herself in the lives and beliefs of conservative residents in Louisiana. Through her in-depth interviews and observations, Hochschild seeks to understand the emotions, values, and concerns that shape the worldview of the American right. She uncovers a complex web of emotions, including anger, fear, and a sense of loss, which she argues have fueled the rise of the Tea Party and the broader conservative movement in the United States.

Understanding the Great Paradox:

Hochschild begins her exploration by highlighting the “Great Paradox” she observed among the people she interviewed. Despite living in an area plagued by environmental pollution and economic inequality, many of these individuals strongly support policies and politicians that perpetuate these issues. She delves into the reasons behind this paradox, uncovering a deep-seated belief in the American Dream and a suspicion of government intervention. Through their narratives, she reveals how these individuals perceive themselves as hardworking, self-reliant, and deserving of success, even in the face of adversity.

The Deep Story:

To better understand the emotional landscape of the American right, Hochschild introduces the concept of the “Deep Story.” This narrative, shaped by personal experiences and cultural influences, provides a lens through which individuals interpret the world around them. The Deep Story of the people Hochschild interviewed revolves around a line-jumping metaphor, where hardworking Americans feel they are waiting in line for the American Dream, only to see others, particularly marginalized groups, cutting ahead. This metaphorical line-cutting generates feelings of resentment, anger, and a sense of injustice.

The Role of Tea Party and Fox News:

Hochschild explores the role of the Tea Party and conservative media, particularly Fox News, in shaping the beliefs and attitudes of the individuals she encounters. She reveals how these outlets validate and amplify the emotions and concerns of the American right, creating an echo chamber that reinforces their worldview. The Tea Party, in particular, provides a sense of community and empowerment for those who feel marginalized and unheard by the political establishment.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the emotions and values that shape the political beliefs of the American right is crucial for bridging the political divide.
• The “Great Paradox” reveals how individuals can support policies that seemingly work against their own interests due to deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives.
• The concept of the “Deep Story” helps explain the emotional landscape of the American right and the sense of injustice they feel.
• The role of conservative media, such as Fox News, and grassroots movements like the Tea Party, cannot be underestimated in shaping the beliefs and attitudes of the American right.

“The Great Paradox is that the very people who have suffered the most from pollution, toxic dumping, climate change, and diminished job prospects are the ones who are most resistant to environmental regulation.”

In “Strangers in Their Own Land,” Arlie Russell Hochschild provides a compelling exploration of the emotions, values, and narratives that underpin the American right. By immersing herself in the lives of conservative residents in Louisiana, she sheds light on the complex web of anger, fear, and a sense of loss that has fueled the rise of the Tea Party and the broader conservative movement. Through her research, Hochschild challenges readers to understand and empathize with the experiences and perspectives of those on the other side of the political spectrum.