Nostalgia for the American Logger?

The article discusses how nostalgia fuels Trumpism, particularly among the working class. It highlights a longing for a lost past defined by traditional roles and jobs, especially in regions affected by industrial decline. Willa Hammitt Brown's book, ‘Gentlemen of the Woods’, explores how historical narratives are manipulated to erase exploitation and simplify complexities, allowing for a nostalgic vision that aligns with current political sentiments. Brown critiques the tourism industry’s romanticized portrayal of history that complements Trumpist ideologies while ignoring the realities of labor and environmental degradation.

"Nostalgia for a supposedly lost past drives much of Trump's appeal, especially in blue-collar counties disrupted by industrial job loss and changes in societal norms."

"In her work, Brown highlights how media narratives shift to reflect the interests of those in power, obscuring the harder truths of working-class exploitation."

Read at The Nation