White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy

Chapter 4 explores the persistent valorization and romanticization of rural America within US politics and culture. This chapter traces the historical and contemporary use of rural imagery and values by politicians to connect with voters, highlighting a deep-seated reverence for rural life as the embodiment of American virtue.

The chapter begins with Thomas Jefferson’s praise for farmers in the 18th century, which set a precedent for the idealization of rural citizens. This ideal persists today, with politicians like Senator Josh Hawley and former President George W. Bush adopting rural personas to appeal to voters. This phenomenon, where rurality is synonymous with authenticity, sincerity, and trustworthiness, extends beyond individuals to encompass a broader set of values associated with rural life, such as independence, self-reliance, hard work, patriotism, and devoutness.

The authors underscore the symbolic power of rural America in shaping political identities. Politicians frequently evoke “small-town values” as a campaign strategy, as seen with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who emphasized these values despite his urban wealth. The cultural and political significance of rural America is not just rooted in nostalgia but also in a tangible sense of identity and virtue.

Despite the differences among various rural communities, there is a shared rural