Left Elsewhere: Finding the Future in Radical Rural America

by Elizabeth Catte (Editor)

An examination of the emerging rural left, from environmentalists blocking pipeline construction to teachers on strike. In Left Elsewhere , volume editor and lead essayist Elizabeth Catte turns a skeptical eye toward “purple” politicians, such as West Virginia Democrat Richard Ojeda, who are hailed by many as the best hope for U.S. progressives outside the urban coasts. By offering a survey of what the left actually looks like outside major urban centers, Catte shows how an emerging rural left is developing new strategies that do not easily fit into typical ideas of liberals, leftists, and Democratic politics. From environmentalists who successfully block pipeline construction to advocates for “radical” health care solutions such as needle exchanges to school teachers who go on strike, these newly energized activists may offer a better path forward for both policy and candidates to represent the needs of poor and working Americans.   By engaging activists and scholars outside the coastal bubbles, this collection offers insights into several overlooked areas, including working-class women's activism, victories in new labor struggle (especially in staunchly right-to-work states) and new organizing principles in Jackson, Mississippi—"America's most radical city"—that are bringing about meaningful racial and economic change on the ground. Taken together, the essays in Left Elsewhere show that today's political language is insufficient to convey what's happening in these areas and examine what, if any, coherent set of politics can be assigned to them. Contributors
William J. Barber II, Thomas Baxter, Lesly-Marie Buer, Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, Nancy Isenberg, Elaine C. Kamarck, Michael Kazin, Toussaint Losier, Robin McDowell, Bob Moser, Hugh Ryan, Matt Stoller, Ruy Teixeira, Makani Themba, Jessica Wilkerson

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Essays, American History

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2019

About the author

Elizabeth Catte is a writer and historian from East Tennessee. She holds a PhD in public history from Middle Tennessee State University and is the co-owner of Passel, a historical consulting and development company.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a forum before, so I was a bit surprised by the format. Elizabeth Catte continues to be a thinker I really admire, though, and some of the essays in the second half were quite thought-provoking. Definitely been thinking and reflecting a lot about rural progressivism recently, and this was some good food for thought!

[Benny Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The initial essay and responses are especially excellent, concise, and thought provoking.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays discussing the work of progressive left organizations and people in rural red-state America is well worth reading.

[bela · Rating 4 out of 5]

hit or miss

good hits though

[Mills College Library]

339.46 L495 2019