Strangers in Their Own Land Summary

Why do some communities push back against help they desperately need? In Strangers in Their Own Land, Arlie Russell Hochschild unpacks the contradictions of Louisiana’s politics and culture, revealing the deep emotional drivers behind conservative choices.

1. Louisiana's political paradox: Fighting against what's needed

Louisiana is one of the poorest and most polluted states in the U.S., yet many of its residents vote against government aid and regulations that could improve their lives. This apparent contradiction stems from the influence of the Tea Party, a conservative movement advocating for small government and fewer regulations.

Residents see the government as an overreaching entity that "steals" their tax dollars to support others they view as undeserving. This perception fuels their desire for minimal government, even when those policies exacerbate their struggles. Governor Bobby Jindal gained support by cutting regulations and taxes for large corporations, claiming it would benefit the economy.

But this approach left the state poorer. Louisiana ranked 49th in a national quality-of-life survey, with low education levels, life expectancy, and income. Those who supported small-government policies felt more frustrated, but they clung to the belief that shrinking government involvement was the solution.

Examples

• Tea Party supporters back Bobby Jindal, who eliminated environmental regulations.
• Residents resent their taxes going to "lazy" individuals, reinforcing anti-aid sentiments.
• Louisiana ranked near the bottom in The Measure of America report on well-being.

2. The oil industry: A false promise of prosperity

The oil industry promises jobs and prosperity in Louisiana but often delivers pollution and displacement. Politicians portray the industry as a valuable ally, but its benefits are limited to a select few.

Oil plants primarily hire outside professionals and low-wage foreign workers, leaving locals with few job opportunities. Companies also receive generous tax breaks—ten years or more of tax-free operation—costing Louisiana $1.6 billion in lost revenue. Meanwhile, pollution poisons waterways, driving fishermen out of work and eroding natural habitats.

Rather than bringing riches, the oil industry damages communities and drains public resources. Yet, the state continues to cater to big oil at the expense of its citizens.

Examples

• Fishermen lose their livelihood due to contaminated water.
• New plants bring in foreign workers instead of employing locals.
• Tax loopholes for oil companies cost Louisiana billions.

3. The working class feels ignored and blamed

White working-class Louisianans see themselves as the backbone of America, yet they feel overlooked and scapegoated. They believe minorities and the poor unfairly benefit from affirmative action and government aid.

This resentment grew during the Obama presidency, with media outlets like Fox News amplifying claims of favoritism toward minorities. They painted white workers as America's "forgotten men," bolstering feelings of alienation and exclusion from the "American Dream."

These frustrations fuel their support for political leaders like Donald Trump, who promises a return to traditional values and a focus on their needs. Trump’s rhetoric resonates because it validates their sense of grievance.

Examples

• Accusations of affirmative action being unfairly applied.
• Fox News campaigns against Obama and "political correctness."
• Trump's slogan to "Make America Great Again" appeals to their nostalgia.

4. Feeling ridiculed deepens mistrust

Tea Party supporters in Louisiana are sensitive to being ridiculed by liberals, which strengthens their opposition. They feel judged for their religious practices and lifestyle, further dividing them from progressive norms.

They trace these feelings back to accusations of Northern superiority during the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Modern criticisms of their religious and social beliefs echo these historical tensions. For example, they interpret support for Syrian refugee children as proof that liberals value outsiders over struggling Americans.

Being mocked for traditional stances on issues like same-sex marriage or Bible-based education adds to their defensiveness. They feel attacked rather than understood, pushing them further into their ideological camps.

Examples

• Religious Louisianans feel criticized for practicing "Bible-based" values.
• Mockery over their rejection of same-sex marriage legislation.
• Syrian refugee debates amplify feelings of outsider favoritism.

5. Government inaction worsens environmental disasters

Louisiana's preference for small government means looser regulations, allowing oil companies to pollute freely. The effects have been catastrophic, from sinkholes swallowing towns to rising cancer rates, especially in areas near industrial plants.

The Bayou Corne Sinkhole of 2012 symbolized this crisis, as a collapsed salt dome created an environmental and human disaster. Residents suffer disease and displacement but lack the political willpower to enforce change. Instead, many blame federal agencies like the EPA for overreaching, further distracting from the true offenders.

This hands-off approach leaves communities vulnerable while benefitting companies that exploit local resources unchecked.

Examples

• Toxic sinkholes like Bayou Corne destroy communities.
• Residents near oil refiners report higher cancer rates.
• Louisiana ranks second in male cancer patients per capita.

6. Media plays a role in misguiding public opinion

Conservative media, particularly Fox News, shapes public opinion in Louisiana by diverting attention away from pressing issues. Instead of reporting on pollution or economic stagnation, they focus on inflammatory topics like federal overreach or cultural debates.

Fox encourages mistrust of federal agencies like the EPA, painting them as enemies of freedom. This deflection ensures that environmental destruction goes unchallenged and corporations escape accountability.

These narratives keep Tea Party followers focused on ideological battles rather than material problems affecting their everyday lives.

Examples

• Fox News downplays Louisiana’s environmental damage.
• Commentary likens EPA actions to attacks on America.
• Viewers are urged to fear federal control over state decisions.

7. The historical roots of southern conservatism

To understand Louisiana’s politics, Hochschild explores the history of southern identity. White farmers historically strived to avoid poverty by differentiating themselves from slaves. Today, this legacy endures in cultural anxiety about economic and social standing.

This historical hierarchy leads many impoverished white Louisianans to resist government aid, associating it with weakness. They prefer aligning with power structures like big business, which they perceive as symbols of strength and independence.

This mindset reinforces loyalty to conservative policies, even when they directly harm the population voting for them.

Examples

• Antebellum hierarchy placed poor white farmers above slaves.
• Modern residents resist aid to maintain a sense of independence.
• Big business is seen as aligning with personal strength, unlike government welfare.

8. The clash of cultural values complicates dialogue

The divide between liberals and conservatives isn’t just political—it is deeply cultural. On the left, people promote equal rights and government support. On the right, values like self-reliance and tradition take center stage.

This clash creates an "empathy wall," making meaningful dialogue rare. People on both sides see the other as either selfish or naïve. For example, conservatives feel mocked for religious practices, while liberals feel undercut by anti-tax initiatives.

Bridging this cultural divide requires understanding the emotional and historical context behind opposing views.

Examples

• Liberals criticize anti-tax policies that hurt public programs.
• Conservatives resent losing traditional practices like school prayers.
• Both sides feel misunderstood and defensive in debates.

9. Empathy is key to bridging the political divide

Hochschild emphasizes the need for empathy in addressing Louisiana's struggles and similar national conflicts. Understanding someone’s experiences and values is essential to resolving differences.

Instead of dismissing opposing beliefs, she suggests listening to the stories that shape them. Recognizing shared concerns—such as community well-being—can pave the way for trust and cooperation.

Ultimately, empathy, not judgment, holds the potential to create common ground in a fractured society.

Examples

• Respect religious values while advocating for inclusivity.
• Focus on shared economic concerns rather than ideological fights.
• Empathy can reveal deeper motives behind political choices.

Takeaways

1. Try to empathize with those who hold opposing political views by understanding their personal history and concerns rather than dismissing them outright.
2. Address underlying issues like economic insecurity and environmental degradation with solutions that benefit diverse groups, aiming for community-focused policies.
3. Avoid polarizing narratives and seek common ground by recognizing shared values, such as the importance of safety, fairness, and opportunity.