General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Do you REALLY want to understand Trumpers and white working-class voters? Please read this. Please. [View all]ismnotwasm
(42,088 posts)If I read that book it was years ago--anecdotally, I was raised in proximity to Gypsy Jokers--they were violent, pimps, drug dealings etc. but had a powerful and admirable "brotherhood" ethos. Not HA's, of course, but at the time, a number of them would have been of that generation.
My Biker Trump voting BIL is racist as fuck, yet does a Christmas Run every year for needy children, and helps his community whenever need arises. He hated Hillary because he believes RW lies--he's the type that makes 'ape' jokes about the Obama's. He always finds a job, but he has had his struggles. Another Biker, far younger generation, I know, told me flat out that Hillary 'should be shot' before taking the presidency--this sentiment prevailed in a number of rougher, youngish and white types I know Another biker couple, who are friends of mine--went for Bernie, in a damn near fanatical way, also hate Hillary, and are deeply into conspiracy--much like JPR types. Yet they went and lent their support to Standing Rock. Still, they are fairly well off and white and in rural Arizona.
To extrapolate Hunters book to today's politics is a great way to introduce what's going on. Now I have another book to add to my reading list.