Take a photo of a barcode or cover
550 reviews for:
Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right
Arlie Russell Hochschild
4.09 AVERAGE
550 reviews for:
Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right
Arlie Russell Hochschild
4.09 AVERAGE
interesting topic but felt as though I was rereading the same few points; too many other books, too little time
This was an eye-opening book! While I never did cross the empathy wall completely, at the end, I felt like many of the people interviewed were mostly decent people. It’s amazing to me how far apart liberals and conservatives are, but I have hope after reading this book.
I had mixed feelings about this book. Although I appreciated the concept of a liberal from California traveling to Louisiana to try to understand the political climate there, and although I found the insight into the challenges and culture of that region interesting to read about, I continued to feel that the author never reached a point of understanding of her subjects. Also she referred to them as her "new friends", I still felt she was an outside who, although she could summarize their positions and opinions, did not truly understand them. Perhaps this was only my reading of it, but I continued to feel, as a reader, as an outsider looking from a distance, rather than being drawn into a greater understanding appreciation for the views expressed...even those I may agree with.
I don't know who the target audience of this book is. Through years of research and interviews, the author never really seems to achieve her goal of scaling the empathy wall as she calls it. It always feels like she's poking holes in it to look through instead of climbing it or, better yet, knocking it down. Everything she is told passes through one ear and explained away in a patronizing manner, which is a central tenant in why so many people syudied in this book feel the way they do. Even her original ending of letters to each side of the political aisle was lopsided. To left leaning readers, here are 2 paragraphs of empty platitudes. To right leaning readers, here are three pages of information that, even if they made it that far into the book, didn't seem like great arguments. To me, it did not feel like the author connected with the people she spent so much time with even with the constant mention of how often they talked and got together. There are sections that are agonizingly repetitive, almost as if sections with similar ideas were written years apart and then never proofread. The number of repeated phrases mere pages apart was jarring.
I was interested in stepping out of my reading comfort zone and learning about current events for once. But this did not challenge my beliefs in the way I was hoping. I have similar views to the author, so she wasn't going to convince me to her side. I was more interested in how we can connect with groups that seem diametrically opposed. I didn't feel like I got that here outside of a single chapter that gave us our main explanation: the Deep Story. That part was insightful and resonated with the people she based it on. It was useful to read and a good basis to find a common ground. I just think the word count surrounding that one short chapter was too long and dragged down the thesis rather than supported it.
I was interested in stepping out of my reading comfort zone and learning about current events for once. But this did not challenge my beliefs in the way I was hoping. I have similar views to the author, so she wasn't going to convince me to her side. I was more interested in how we can connect with groups that seem diametrically opposed. I didn't feel like I got that here outside of a single chapter that gave us our main explanation: the Deep Story. That part was insightful and resonated with the people she based it on. It was useful to read and a good basis to find a common ground. I just think the word count surrounding that one short chapter was too long and dragged down the thesis rather than supported it.
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
No, I don't feel sorry for these assholes. How dumb and delusional can you be to live in one of the most polluted areas of the United States and insist the oil companies need LESS regulation? Fuck right outta here.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A thoughtful and empathetic journey into the conservative culture of rural Louisiana. I found the stories about the inhabitants interviewed by the author to frustrate me and lead me to want to skip sections because of this, but the author displays an open heart when talking with her subjects. She never objectifies them and treats them with respect. She challenges their views and listens to their ofter circular or just-so justifications for their views. The author's focus is on the counterintuitive nature of the poor white's support of large corporations and their rejection of environmental protections, especially in a state that has gutted their public programs that would help these folks the most. A difficult subject dealt with grace and dignity. I wish I had as much patience myself.
Everyone should read this book. It’s phenomenal. My mind is buzzing with new ideas and different perspectives. It was well written and helpful for the average, everyday person to read and comprehend, yet it also provide just enough to keep you thinking deeper. I hope to share and utilize different parts of this book to help educate others. It hurts my soul to think how divided our country is, but every little step counts.
4.5 stars. I highly recommend this book to readers across the entire political spectrum. The author's empathetic approach in how she conducted her research was appealing to me. She seems to sincerely wants to bridge the gap between right and left by understanding the "deep story" that we all tell when expressing our political viewpoints and values. This book is definitely a step in the right direction if we all want to understand one another better.