Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right By Arlie Russell Hochschild

In Stolen Pride, Arlie Russell Hochschild, renowned author of Strangers in Their Own Land, delves into the heart of Appalachia, exploring the complex interplay of pride and political identity in a region grappling with economic decline and cultural loss. Focusing on Pikeville, Kentucky—the whitest and second-poorest congressional district in the U.S.—Hochschild investigates the profound impact of vanishing coal jobs, persistent poverty, and a devastating drug crisis on the community’s sense of self-worth.

Through her compelling narrative, she reveals how feelings of stolen pride can make residents susceptible to powerful political appeals, particularly as 80 percent of the district’s voters supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election. Hochschild offers an intimate look at blue-collar men navigating this shifting political landscape, capturing their experiences in small churches, roadside diners, and community meetings.

She poignantly recounts the town's reaction to a white nationalist march in 2017, serving as a microcosm for the larger national tensions and divisions. By centering on the voices of those often overlooked, Hochschild provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural identity shapes political behavior.

Stolen Pride is not just an exploration of a specific community; it serves as a critical examination of the broader dynamics at play in American politics today. With insights into the emotional and social factors influencing voter sentiment, Hochschild ultimately points toward a path forward in these divided times, offering hope amidst the challenges.