White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy

Anti-government ideology in White Rural Rage refers to the deep-seated distrust and opposition to federal and state government interventions. This term encapsulates the beliefs of many rural Americans who see government actions as an overreach and harmful to their way of life. Schaller and Waldman explore how this ideology influences voting patterns and policy preferences, often leading to the support of politicians who promise to reduce government size and influence.

Schaller and Waldman highlight broadband internet access as a crucial infrastructure need in rural America. The lack of high-speed internet in these areas exacerbates economic and educational disparities. Schaller and Waldman discuss how limited access to broadband impacts rural communities, hindering their ability to participate in the modern economy and access essential services.

The authors describe cultural elites as individuals or groups perceived to have significant influence over cultural norms and values, often residing in urban areas. This term functions in the book to illustrate the divide between rural and urban America. The authors examine how resentment toward cultural elites fuels political and social divides, as rural populations feel alienated and marginalized by the dominant cultural narrative.