A new book shows how many supposed “elitist stereotypes” of rural MAGA voters are true—and backed by hard data.

In the popular imagination of many Americans, particularly those on the left side of the political spectrum, the typical MAGA supporter is a rural resident who hates Black and Brown people, loathes liberals, loves gods and guns, believes in myriad conspiracy theories, has little faith in democracy, and is willing to use violence to achieve their goals, as thousands did on Jan. 6.

According to a new book, White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy, these aren’t hurtful, elitist stereotypes by Acela Corridor denizens and bubble-dwelling liberals… they’re facts.

The authors, Tom Schaller, a professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Paul Waldman, a former columnist at The Washington Post, persuasively argue that most of the negative stereotypes liberals hold about rural Americans are actually true.

  • henfredemars@infosec.pubEnglish
    161·
    10 months ago

    I fully agree with you here that we’re not having a conversation about what produces these people. I have parents that are quite terrible people, but I can see what made them that way. They’ve watched their savings and pensions evaporate and their job opportunities dwindle. They feel strongly that the government doesn’t support their interests and share the feeling that most Americans have that the system isn’t working. They don’t feel represented.

    Supporting Trump and other ridiculous conservative positions is their way of lashing out. It’s not a productive response, but I feel that this disenfranchisement is a major driver that creates these people. They are Americans too, and we should be asking what we can do to build unity and improve America for everyone.

    Yes, they are still responsible for their actions. However, I think that it’s equally bad to ignore the factors that are producing these people in mass. I prefer to view these people as misinformed children who rather hurt others than fix problems.

    • snooggums@midwest.socialEnglish
      303·
      10 months ago

      Supporting Trump and other ridiculous conservative positions is their way of lashing out.

      Worshipping the personification of the system that fucked them over is the stupidest reaction possible.

      • henfredemars@infosec.pubEnglish
        15·
        10 months ago

        I agree with you. It’s really stupid. But remember, half of people are below average. We’re not going to get away from having lots of stupid and gullible people in our country. We have to build a system where they aren’t so easily manipulated.

        • jjjalljs@ttrpg.network
          5·
          10 months ago

          Unfortunately, the right wing also wants to gut education. Education could help people avoid some of the idiocy of the right wing.

    • krashmo@lemmy.world
      131·
      10 months ago

      Except that they’re not misbehaving children, they’re fully grown adults with agency to make their own decisions. An asshole with shitty parents is still an asshole.