Countdown to After America: Economic Hardship, Loss of Culture, and Authoritarianism w/ Dr. Arlie Hochschild

Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig

As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail?
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay
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How does economic hardship and cultural marginalization fuel the rise of authoritarianism in America? In this conversation with Dr. Arlie Hochschild, the acclaimed author of "Strangers in Their Own Land," we explore the white working-class community's sense of hopelessness and how it makes them susceptible to figures like Donald Trump, who promise radical solutions. Together, we unravel the emotional and political dynamics driving these communities towards authoritarianism, scrutinizing the threat it poses to our democratic norms and institutions.
From the petrochemical plants of Louisiana to the halls of power, we venture into the lives of white, blue-collar workers to understand their growing alignment with right-wing movements. By diving into their "deep story," we shed light on feelings of being left behind and the resentment that fuels their political choices. This episode uncovers the stark disconnect between urban elites and rural populations, examining how federal policies and evolving sentiments have led to moments of intense political upheaval, such as the January 6th insurrection.
We also dissect the complex relationship between voter behavior and democratic stability. Are moderate voters swaying their officials towards moderation, or is it the other way around?
Tune in to explore how we can bridge the American political divide, address economic concerns, and find innovative solutions to rejuvenate neglected areas, fostering moderation and tolerance in an increasingly polarized nation.

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1. Countdown to After America: Economic Hardship, Loss of Culture, and Authoritarianism w/ Dr. Arlie Hochschild (00:00:00)

2. Rise of Authoritarianism in America (00:02:12)

3. Understanding the Conservative Working Class (00:15:03)

4. Understanding Trump's Appeal and Messaging (00:27:17)

5. Bridging the American Political Divide (00:41:15)

6. Moderate Voters and Polarization (00:51:09)