Cultural and media elites are it again with the book 'White Rural Rage'. Garrett Ballengee, President and CEO of the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Public Policy joins me to dissect this issue. From the coal mines to the hills, Garrett shares personal accounts and historic wisdom that reveal the multi-layered reality of rural life, one that defies the media's narrow portrayal of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia. In this episode, we shatter the notion of 'White Rural Rage' as we delve into Garrett's experiences and insights, showcasing the resilience and inclusivity that characterize many rural communities. Together, we peel back the layers of these complex narratives, emphasizing the significance of genuine understanding and the richness of communal bonds that often go unseen.

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With the landscape of vaccination attitudes in Western Virginia as our backdrop, this episode also confronts the destructive effects of societal disdain, with a particular focus on the COVID crisis. The sting of a scornful comment by Jimmy Kimmel serves as a case study for the broader theme of ridicule on regional pride and identity. It's a candid look at the real emotions behind what's been coined as 'white rural rage', and an exploration of why empathy and constructive conversation are more critical now than ever. If you're ready for a thought-provoking journey that champions better public discourse, this is a dialogue not to be missed.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Challenging Stereotypes and Building Understanding

00:12:23 Attitude Towards Vaccination in Western Virginia

Recorded: 3/26
Intro: Metropolis Nights- penguinmusic
Outro: Powerful Beat- penguinmusic