What is the primary definition of the term 'angry white male'?

The term 'angry white males' or 'angry white men' is a derogatory label used in the English-speaking world to describe white men who hold right-wing political views and oppose progressive or liberal beliefs and policies. It is most commonly applied in American and Australian politics.

In which countries is the term 'angry white male' most commonly used in a political context?

The term 'angry white male' is most commonly used in the political discourse of the United States and Australia.

What historical movements in the United States contributed to the rise of the 'angry white male' concept?

In the United States, the concept of the 'angry white male' emerged increasingly following a white male backlash to the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism of the mid-20th century. These movements led to significant societal changes, including greater rights for white women and people of color.

According to the source, who do angry white men often blame for their problems?

Angry white men are described as often blaming their problems on non-white groups, particularly Jews and African Americans.

What major American political movement in 1992 is associated with the 'Revolt of the Angry White Male'?

In 1992, a reactionary backlash described as the 'Revolt of the Angry White Male' arose against the women's rights movement in the United States.

When did concerns related to women's rights, relevant to the 'angry white male' concept, become prevalent?

While concerns about women's rights, such as women's suffrage, have existed since at least the 1920s, they became prevalent again in the 1990s, fueling the 'angry white male' discourse.

How does the gender pay gap relate to the 'angry white male' concept according to the text?

The gender pay gap has given new salience to women's rights issues, contributing to the ongoing discussions and sentiments associated with the 'angry white male' phenomenon, particularly as it became more prevalent in the 1990s.

What is Professor Bob Pease's theory regarding 'angry white male' voters?

Professor Bob Pease theorizes that 'angry white male' voters see themselves as a voting bloc whose gender is under attack. This perception leads them to feel politically disenfranchised and more inclined to vote for right-wing populist parties.

According to Pease, what kind of perceived losses contribute to the 'angry white male' populist movement?

Pease suggests that the right-wing populist movement associated with 'angry white males' is often characterized by perceived psychological and sociological losses related to traditional concepts of manhood and a sense of emasculation.

What is the stated aim of the populist polemics associated with 'angry white males', according to Pease?

Pease suggests that the populist polemics of 'angry white males' aim to 'make men great again' by opposing gender equality and seeking to restore a perceived traditional hegemony to its masculinist right.

In the United States, what specific policy is mentioned as a trigger for the 'angry white male' voting bloc in the early 1990s?

In the United States, the term 'angry white male' commonly refers to a political voting bloc that emerged in the early 1990s as a reaction to perceived injustices faced by white men due to affirmative action quotas in the workplace.

How is the 'angry white male' voting bloc in the US compared to another historical voting bloc?

The emergence of the 'angry white male' bloc in the early 1990s is compared to the 'Reagan Democrat' bloc that appeared a decade earlier, both representing reactions to perceived societal shifts.

What groups are characterized as targets of animosity by 'angry white men' in the United States?

In the United States, 'angry white men' are characterized as having animosity toward young people, people of color, women, other minorities, and liberalism in general.

Which political figure's male supporters have been described as 'angry white men' by commentators?

Donald Trump's male supporters have been described by some political commentators as fitting the profile of 'angry white men'.

What did Barack Obama say in 2008 about residents in small towns and their frustrations?

In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama commented that it was not surprising when small-town residents, feeling left behind by successive administrations, 'cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations'.

How did Barack Obama describe the sentiments of male blue-collar workers in 2015?

In 2015, Barack Obama referenced male blue-collar workers as having a sense of fear, frustration, and anger that he considered justified but misdirected. He believed Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign was exploiting these sentiments.

When did the concept of the 'angry white male' appear in Australian politics?

The concept of the 'angry white male' appeared in Australian politics during the 1998 federal elections.

What was the perceived opposition of Australian 'angry white men' during the 1998 elections?

Similar to the usage in the United States, Australian men categorized as 'angry white men' opposed what they perceived as the feminist agenda. These political parties were formed partly in reaction to a historic number of women being elected to the House of Representatives.

What claim did members of Australian 'angry white male' groups make regarding feminists?

Members of these Australian groups claimed that feminists had entrenched themselves in positions of power and influence within the government and were using that power to victimize men.

What controversial statement did Senator Eric Abetz make in 2016 regarding the term 'angry white man'?

In 2016, Australian Senator Eric Abetz argued against Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, stating it was 'passing strange' that the Australian Human Rights Commission seemed unconcerned about what he perceived as 'racist terminology' like 'angry white man', while focusing on other racial descriptors. He suggested the term implied race was the basis for the comment.

What is the general application of the term 'angry white male' in popular culture?

In popular culture, the term is applied to characters or individuals believed to be opposed to the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism.

Which 1970s American sitcom character is cited as a cultural icon representing the 'angry white male'?

Archie Bunker, from the television sitcoms All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place, is cited by CBS News as having turned the 'angry white male' into a cultural icon.

Can you list some films described as exploring the 'angry white male' archetype?

Films described as exploring the 'angry white male' archetype include Joe (1970), Raging Bull, Falling Down, Cobb, God Bless America, Taxi Driver, Joker, and Clint Eastwood's roles in Dirty Harry and Gran Torino.

Which film's protagonist is specifically mentioned as a representative of the 'angry white male' stereotype?

The protagonist of the film Falling Down, a divorced, laid-off defense worker who descends into rage and violence, was widely reported as a representative of the 'angry white male' stereotype.

How has Walter White from Breaking Bad been described in relation to the 'angry white male' concept?

Walter White, the protagonist of the television series Breaking Bad, has also been described by critics as an 'angry white male'.

What does Professor Pease suggest is the underlying motivation for 'angry white males' supporting populist movements?

Professor Pease suggests that 'angry white males' are motivated by a perceived attack on their gender and a sense of disenfranchisement, leading them to support right-wing populist parties as a response to perceived psychological and sociological losses and emasculation.

What is the significance of the 'Revolt of the Angry White Male' mentioned in relation to 1990s American politics?

The 'Revolt of the Angry White Male' in the early 1990s represented a significant backlash against the women's rights movement in the United States, bringing long-standing political questions and concerns to the forefront.

What is the connection between the fathers' rights movement in Australia and the emergence of political parties associated with 'angry white men'?

In Australia, the emergence of political parties like the Abolish Family Support/Family Court Party and the Family Law Reform Party during the 1998 federal elections was linked to the fathers' rights movement, reflecting opposition to perceived feminist agendas.

What does the term 'angry white male' imply about the political leanings of the individuals it describes?

The term 'angry white male' implies that the individuals described hold right-wing views and are in opposition to progressive or liberal beliefs and policies.

How did the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism influence the discourse around 'angry white males' in the US?

The civil rights movement and second-wave feminism, by advancing rights for women and people of color, prompted a backlash among some white men, contributing to the increasing use and recognition of the 'angry white male' term in the US.

What is the core grievance often attributed to 'angry white men' in the context of affirmative action?

In the United States, 'angry white men' are often described as reacting against affirmative action policies, which they perceive as creating quotas that lead to injustices against them in the workplace.

What does the text suggest about the relationship between 'angry white male' sentiment and right-wing populism?

The text suggests a strong connection, with theories indicating that 'angry white male' voters are more likely to support right-wing populist parties due to feelings of disenfranchisement and a perceived attack on their gender and traditional roles.

What is the implication of the phrase 'make men great again' in the context of 'angry white male' populism?

The phrase 'make men great again,' as used in the context of 'angry white male' populism, implies a desire to oppose gender equality and restore a perceived traditional male dominance or hegemony.

What specific aspect of women's rights issues gained renewed importance in the 1990s, contributing to the 'angry white male' discourse?

The gender pay gap gained new salience in the 1990s, highlighting women's rights issues and contributing to the discourse surrounding the 'angry white male' phenomenon.

What is the role of perceived 'emasculation' in the theory of 'angry white males'?

The theory suggests that 'angry white males' experience a sense of perceived 'emasculation,' which contributes to their psychological and sociological feelings of loss and fuels their support for right-wing populist movements.

What does Senator Abetz's comment about 'angry white man' suggest about the term's potential impact?

Senator Abetz's comment suggests that the term 'angry white man' could be considered racial vilification or racist terminology, raising questions about its appropriateness and the focus of human rights commissions.

How is the character Archie Bunker significant in the context of the 'angry white male' concept?

Archie Bunker, a character from the television sitcoms All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place, is considered a cultural icon who embodied and popularized the 'angry white male' archetype for a broad audience.

What commonality is noted between the 'angry white male' concept and the film 'Falling Down'?

The film Falling Down, with its protagonist who embodies increasing rage and violence, is frequently cited as a cinematic representation and exploration of the 'angry white male' stereotype.

What does the term 'angry white male' imply about the targets of their opposition?

The term implies opposition not only to progressive or liberal policies but also often includes animosity towards specific groups such as young people, people of color, women, and other minorities.

What is the relationship between 'white male backlash' and the term 'angry white male' in the US context?

The term 'angry white male' is closely associated with the concept of 'white male backlash,' particularly in response to the advancements made by the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism, which altered the social and political landscape for white men.

What theoretical perspective links 'angry white male' voters to right-wing populism?

The theoretical perspective links 'angry white male' voters to right-wing populism by suggesting they feel their gender is under attack, leading to political disenfranchisement and a search for political movements that resonate with their perceived grievances and traditionalist views.

How does the source describe the perceived losses associated with the 'angry white male' populist movement?

The source describes the perceived losses as both psychological and sociological, stemming from a sense of diminishing traditional roles for men and a feeling of being 'emasculated' in contemporary society.

What is the significance of the 'gender pay gap' in the context of the 'angry white male' discourse?

The gender pay gap brought renewed attention to women's rights issues in the 1990s, contributing to the broader societal discussions and tensions that fueled the 'angry white male' sentiment.

What specific groups are mentioned as often being blamed by 'angry white men'?

The source text explicitly mentions that angry white men often blame their problems on non-white individuals, specifically citing Jews and African Americans.

What comparison is made between the 'angry white male' bloc and the 'Reagan Democrat' bloc?

The text compares the 'angry white male' voting bloc, which emerged in the early 1990s as a reaction to affirmative action, to the 'Reagan Democrat' bloc that appeared a decade earlier, suggesting similar patterns of political reaction.

What role does 'hegemony' play in the theoretical understanding of 'angry white male' populism?

According to Professor Pease's view, the populist polemics of 'angry white males' aim to restore a perceived 'hegemony' to its masculinist right, suggesting a desire to re-establish traditional male dominance and authority.

What specific aspect of the civil rights movement and feminism is identified as a catalyst for 'angry white male' sentiment?

The text identifies the gains in rights for white women and people of color resulting from the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism as a catalyst for a white male backlash, contributing to the 'angry white male' concept.

What is the common characteristic attributed to 'angry white men' regarding liberalism?

In the United States, 'angry white men' are characterized as holding animosity toward liberalism in general, alongside their opposition to younger people, people of color, women, and other minorities.

Angry White Male Wiki: The Socio-Political Construct of the 'Angry White Male': An Analytical Examination

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The Concept

Defining the Term

The term "angry white males" or "angry white men" is a pejorative designation applied within English-speaking societies to white men who espouse right-wing political ideologies and actively oppose progressive or liberal viewpoints and policies. This label is particularly prevalent in the political discourse of the United States and Australia.^[1]

Targets of Animosity

Individuals categorized under this term often express resentment and attribute their personal or societal difficulties to non-white demographic groups, notably Jewish people and African Americans. This sentiment reflects a perceived threat to their established social standing and traditional power structures.^[3]

Historical Context

In the United States, the term gained traction as a descriptor for a reactionary backlash against the advancements in civil rights and the gains of second-wave feminism during the mid-20th century. These movements significantly altered the social and political landscape by extending rights and opportunities to previously marginalized groups.^[2]

Theoretical Frameworks

Perceived Political Disenfranchisement

A key theoretical perspective suggests that individuals identified as "angry white males" perceive themselves as a distinct voting bloc whose gender identity is under siege. This perception contributes to feelings of political disenfranchisement, making them more susceptible to aligning with right-wing populist movements.^[5]

Sociological and Psychological Loss

Scholarly analysis posits that this populist movement is often characterized by an experience of loss, both psychologically and sociologically. This encompasses a perceived erosion of traditional male roles and a sense of "emasculation" within societal shifts.^[5]

Restoring Hegemony

The rhetoric employed by this movement frequently advocates for the restoration of male dominance ("making men great again") by opposing policies promoting gender equality and seeking to re-establish a hegemonic, masculinist order.^[5]

United States Context

Post-Civil Rights Backlash

The term emerged in the early 1990s, mirroring the "Reagan Democrat" phenomenon a decade prior. It describes a voting bloc reacting against perceived injustices, particularly those stemming from affirmative action policies in the workplace. These individuals often exhibit animosity towards younger generations, people of color, women, minorities, and liberal ideologies in general.^[6]^[7]

Political Commentary

Commentators have frequently described supporters of Donald Trump's political campaigns as embodying the "angry white male" archetype. This association highlights the perceived resonance of Trump's platform with sentiments of frustration and grievance among this demographic.^[8]^[9]^[10]^[11]

Obama's Observations

In 2008 and later in 2015, Barack Obama commented on the frustrations of white blue-collar workers, suggesting their anger and anxieties were sometimes misdirected. He observed that such sentiments could lead individuals to "cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them," and that Donald Trump's 2016 presidential candidacy capitalized on these feelings.^[12]

Australian Context

Political Emergence

The concept appeared during Australia's 1998 federal elections, linked to the fathers' rights movement. New political parties, such as the Abolish Family Support/Family Court Party and the Family Law Reform Party, emerged, opposing what they perceived as a feminist agenda and reacting to the significant number of women elected to the House of Representatives.^[13]

Claims of Victimization

Members of these groups asserted that feminists had gained undue power within governmental structures and were using this influence to victimize men. This perspective frames their political stance as a defense against perceived systemic bias.^[13]

Senator Abetz's Critique

In 2016, Senator Eric Abetz questioned the Australian Human Rights Commission's focus, arguing that terms like "angry white man" constituted racial vilification. He suggested that such terminology, when applied based on skin color, should be treated with the same concern as racial slurs directed at other groups.^[14]

Cultural Representations

Television Archetypes

The character Archie Bunker from the 1970s sitcoms All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place is widely recognized as a cultural icon embodying the "angry white male" stereotype. His portrayal captured sentiments of resistance to social change.^[22] More recently, Walter White from the series Breaking Bad has also been described as fitting this archetype.^[23]

Cinematic Explorations

Numerous films have been analyzed as exploring the "angry white man" theme. These include:

Joe (1970)
Raging Bull (1980)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Falling Down (1993) - The protagonist, a laid-off defense worker, is often cited as a representative figure.
Cobb (1994)
Gran Torino (2008) - Clint Eastwood's portrayal of an aging, embittered veteran.
Joker (2019)
God Bless America (2022)

Performances by Clint Eastwood in films like Dirty Harry (1971) and Gran Torino have also been linked to this archetype.^[17]^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]

Related Concepts

Further Exploration

The concept of the "angry white male" intersects with various social and political phenomena. Understanding these related areas can provide broader context:

Angry White Men: American Masculinity and the End of an Era (Book by Michael Kimmel)
Gammon (insult)
Karen (slang)
Angry black woman
Angry black man
Redneck
Stereotypes of white Americans
White genocide conspiracy theory
White demographic decline

References

Source Material

Blake, John (November 20, 2021). "There's nothing more frightening in America today than an angry White man". CNN. Archived from the original on November 20, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
Steven M. Gillon (August 29, 2017). "Why are so many white men so angry?". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
"Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era".
Steven Stark (July 1996). "Gap Politics". The Atlantic.
Noble, Carolyn (2020). Noble, Carolyn; Ottmann, Goetz (eds.). The Challenge of Right-wing Nationalist Populism for Social Work. London: Taylor & Francis. p. 55. doi:10.4324/9780429056536. ISBN 9780429056536.
Heather Digby Parton (March 28, 2016). "The truth about Donald Trump's angry white men: Inside the media narrative that the media doesn't understand". Salon.
Kimmel, Michael S. (November 5, 2013). Angry White Men: American Masculinity and the End of an Era. PublicAffairs. ISBN 978-1-568-58696-0.
Wilkinson, Francis (August 23, 2016). "The beginning of the end of angry white males". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
Rajghatta, Chidanand (July 28, 2016). "Donald Trump's vote bank: Angry white males with no college degrees". The Economic Times. The Times Group. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
Mantyla, Kyle (August 26, 2016). "How 'Angry White Male' Wayne Allyn Root Knows That Trump Has Deep Support Among Black Voters". Right Wing Watch. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
Schwartz, Dana (August 1, 2016). "Why Angry White Men Love Calling People 'Cucks'". GQ. Advance Publications. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
Ross, Janell (November 25, 2021). "Obama revives his 'cling to guns or religion' analysis — for Donald Trump supporters". Washington Post. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
Sawer, Marian (1999). "EMILY'S LIST and angry white men: Gender wars in the nineties". Journal of Australian Studies. 62. Perth, Australia: Australia Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology: 1–9. doi:10.1080/14443059909387494.
Hutchens, Gareth; Karp, Paul (August 15, 2016). "Eric Abetz says the phrase 'angry white man' is racial vilification". The Guardian. London, England. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
Rosin, Hanna (November 24, 2013). "Even Madder Men: 'Angry White Men,' by Michael Kimmel" (review). The New York Times. New York City.
Packer, George (February 14, 2012). "Poor, White, and Republican". The New Yorker. Condé Nast.
Hunter, Stephen (February 19, 1995). 'Cobb' is latest foray by Hollywood into soul of a bitter white male Major-League Anger". The Baltimore Sun. Tribune Publishing.
Romney, Jonathan (February 22, 2009). "Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood: The screen legend plays an angry old man at war with the city of Detroit". The Independent on Sunday. Independent Print, Ltd. Archived from the original on May 7, 2022.
Senaga, Ryan (January 14, 2009). "Angry white man: Clint Eastwood channels ghosts from past films in Gran Torino". Honolulu Weekly. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014.
"Angry white men on film: Seven times cinema got to the Trump vote before us". Cambridge Day. November 18, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
Gutiérrez-Jones, Carl Scott (2001). Critical race narratives. NYU Press. pp. 61–5. ISBN 978-0-8147-3145-1.
"Farewell Archie". CBS News. CBS Corporation. June 21, 2001.
Vanderwerff, Emily (September 22, 2013). "Breaking Bad's" racial politics: Walter White, angry white man". Salon.com. Salon Media Group.

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References

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not encompass the full spectrum of nuanced perspectives or the most current discourse surrounding this complex socio-political term.

This is not an endorsement or validation of the views described. The information presented is for analytical study and understanding of the phenomenon as reported in academic and journalistic sources. It is not intended to promote, condone, or legitimize any particular political stance or ideology.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, misinterpretations, or actions taken based on the information provided herein. Users are encouraged to engage with this material critically and consult a diverse range of scholarly sources for a comprehensive understanding.

The Socio-Political Construct of the 'Angry White Male'

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Concept 🗣️

🏷️ Defining the Term

🎯 Targets of Animosity

⚖️ Historical Context

Theoretical Frameworks 🧠

🗳️ Perceived Political Disenfranchisement

📉 Sociological and Psychological Loss

🏛️ Restoring Hegemony

United States Context 🇺🇸

💥 Post-Civil Rights Backlash

🎤 Political Commentary

🗣️ Obama's Observations

Australian Context 🇦🇺

🏛️ Political Emergence

⚖️ Claims of Victimization

🗣️ Senator Abetz's Critique

Cultural Representations 🎬

📺 Television Archetypes

🎬 Cinematic Explorations

Related Concepts 🔗

📚 Further Exploration

References 📜

📖 Source Material

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Concept

Defining the Term

Targets of Animosity

Historical Context

Theoretical Frameworks

Perceived Political Disenfranchisement

Sociological and Psychological Loss

Restoring Hegemony

United States Context

Post-Civil Rights Backlash

Political Commentary

Obama's Observations

Australian Context

Political Emergence

Claims of Victimization

Senator Abetz's Critique

Cultural Representations

Television Archetypes

Cinematic Explorations

Related Concepts

Further Exploration

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice