The Rise of the "Sad Angry White Man"
Masculinity, Class, and Popular Culture in the Age of Trumpism
In his lecture titled "The Rise of the 'Sad Angry White Man:' Masculinity, Class, and Popular Culture in the Age of Trumpism," Dr. Stefan Schubert discusses the intersections of masculinity, social class, and popular culture in the context of Trumpism and their significance for the cultural climate in the United States.
Why did Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris lose against Donald Trump but Joe Biden won? It would be myopic to reduce these political complexities to the candidates' genders, but at the same time, it is a difference that cannot be ignored. In a way, this talk will discuss one small cultural-studies piece of the puzzle by analyzing how 'masculine' images and imaginations are intertwined in contemporary US politics and popular culture. While the trope of the 'angry white man' is somewhat older and the idea of the 'sad white man' a bit newer, the lecture will argue for a more recent combination of both, scrutinizing the ambivalent emotions that are at work when masculine figures in US politics and characters in pop culture display anger and rage but are also portrayed as victims to be pitied. Intersections especially with class will offer another crucial insight into why these affective framings seem to resonate with US voters and (film, TV, etc.) audiences alike. By considering examples from contemporary popular culture alongside political discourse by and around figures like Trump and Musk (think 'broligarchy,' 'manosphere,' 'masculine energy,' etc.), the talk hopes to provide insights into one aspect of the apparent appeal of Trumpism.
This event is part of a series hosted by the Institute for American Studies, examining the cultural implications of Trump’s return to office.
- The lecture will be held in English.
- All are welcome!