The Great Paradox
The premise of the book is driven by an inexplicable irony the author identifies as “the Great Paradox.” The irony is not mere speculation, but based on stone cold statistical data as well as anecdotal evidence: why do conservatives consistently support policies and elect politicians which go against their own self-interests?
Bad Goodwill Hunting
One need not hunt very long to find examples of bad acts of goodwill perpetrated by global conglomerates that have destroyed the environment. It is one of the great examples of the many hypocritical ironies related to how corporate politics work in America:
“Dow Chemical gives to the Audubon Nature Institute. Shell Oil Company supports the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Pittsburgh Plate Glass pays for a “Naturelab– Classroom in the Woods” near Lake Charles. Sasol funds a project to record the history of Mossville, a black community its expansion displaced. The Louisiana Chemical Association gives to the Louisiana Tumor Registry.”
Not Just Southern Conservatism, Either
The history of politics in the Deep South is one of oppressing a minority through marginalization of a minority designed for the purpose of excluding them from not just power, but active participation. Ironically, in the Age of Trump, conservative white southerners (as well as those around the country) have now created an entire political ideology based on complaining about being victims of marginalization and exclusion.
Ironically Non-Ironic
Truth be told, the most prevalent sort of irony throughout the book is the unintended type that fails even to be recognized in its expression. The conservatives whom the author engages with to relate their “deep stories” are chock full of statements that to a great many people could only possibly exist within the realm of being ironic. The only ironic aspect, however, is that the people voicing these comments neither intend them as irony nor seem particularly capable of truly comprehending why so many might assume they tended as irony. Although it is difficult to settle on just one iconic example, the following certainly ranks as a perfect example:
“Pollution is the sacrifice we make for capitalism.”
Playing a Fixed Victim Game
One of the great ironies of Trump-era conservatism is their embrace of the power of playing victim. It is a game adopted by rich politicians and filtered down through insurrections comfortable enough to pay for a trip to Washington D.C. in order to storm the Capitol and ending with the only real victims among them, the poorest voters. The greatest of the man ironies associated with conservative victimhood is the manner in which they rail against it while at the same time perpetuating the very things they claim make them victims:
“we all happily use plastic combs, toothbrushes, cell phones, and cars, but we don’t all pay for it with high pollution…red states pay for it more—partly through their own votes for easier regulation and partly through their exposure to a social terrain of politic…that invites them to do so…politicians on the right appeal to this sense of victimhood, even when policies such as those of former governor Jindal exacerbate the problem.”
