Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right

This chapter further explores the concept of the deep story. Deep stories are stories that speak to individual or group emotions that allow people on opposite sides of the political spectrum to understand one another. She cites as an example foreign political leaders who make an effort to understand other nations’ deep stories to relate to their leaders and their citizens more effectively. In her case, she tries to better understand the Tea Party through an examination of its deep story. As she understands it, the Tea Party’s deep story is this: A hypothetical individual wants to access the American dream. They “follow the rules.” They work hard, endure difficulties, and some are even exposed to toxic chemicals by the industries that employ them. They are, effectively, waiting “in line” to access the success that the American Dream promises them. Then, they see, “cutting” in line, a series of people who have not worked hard and are instead the recipients of government handouts. This list includes women, people of color, immigrants, refugees, and even endangered species. This perception of unfairness becomes a source of anger and resentment. The government, they think, is helping these individuals to cut the line.