Summary:
In “What’s the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America,” Thomas Frank explores the transformation of Kansas from a progressive state to a conservative stronghold. Frank delves into the reasons behind this shift, examining the role of social issues, economic policies, and the manipulation of cultural values by conservative elites. Through extensive research and interviews, he uncovers the contradictions and paradoxes within the state’s political landscape, ultimately questioning why working-class Americans often vote against their own economic interests.
The Rise of Conservative Kansas
Frank begins by tracing the history of Kansas as a hotbed of progressive politics, from its early days as a free state during the Civil War to its support for populist movements in the late 19th century. However, he argues that over time, conservative forces successfully exploited cultural issues such as abortion, gun rights, and religion to sway voters away from economic concerns. By framing these social issues as matters of moral values, conservatives were able to rally support and divert attention from their pro-corporate economic agenda.
The Role of Economic Policies
Frank also examines the impact of economic policies on the transformation of Kansas. He highlights the rise of neoliberalism and the influence of corporate interests in shaping the state’s politics. Through tax cuts, deregulation, and the promotion of free-market ideology, conservative politicians promised economic prosperity for all, but in reality, these policies disproportionately benefited the wealthy while leaving the working class struggling. Frank argues that by redirecting blame towards “liberal elites” and government intervention, conservatives successfully shifted the focus away from the real causes of economic inequality.
The Manipulation of Cultural Values
Another key theme in the book is the manipulation of cultural values by conservative elites. Frank argues that by appealing to issues such as religion, patriotism, and traditional family values, conservatives were able to create a sense of identity and belonging among their supporters. This emotional connection to conservative values often trumped economic self-interest, leading many working-class Kansans to vote against policies that would benefit them economically. Frank suggests that this manipulation of cultural values is not unique to Kansas but has been a successful strategy employed by conservatives across the country.
Key Takeaways:
- Conservatives in Kansas successfully shifted the focus from economic issues to cultural values, leading many working-class Americans to vote against their own economic interests.
- Economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, disproportionately benefit the wealthy while leaving the working class struggling.
- Conservative elites manipulate cultural values, such as religion and patriotism, to create a sense of identity and loyalty among their supporters.
“The trick never ages; the illusion never wears off. Vote to stop abortion; receive a rollback in capital gains taxes. Vote to make our country strong again; receive deindustrialization. Vote to screw those politically correct college professors; receive electricity deregulation. Vote to get government off our backs; receive conglomeration and monopoly everywhere from media to meatpacking. Vote to stand tall against terrorists; receive Social Security privatization. Vote to strike a blow against elitism; receive a social order in which wealth is more concentrated than ever before in our lifetimes, workers have been stripped of power, and CEOs are rewarded in a manner beyond imagining.”
In “What’s the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America,” Thomas Frank provides a thought-provoking analysis of the transformation of Kansas into a conservative stronghold. Through examining the role of social issues, economic policies, and the manipulation of cultural values, Frank sheds light on the contradictions within the state’s political landscape. This book serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of critically evaluating political rhetoric and understanding the true implications of policies.
