But is social mobility a true ingredient of US society, or is it just American idealism at its best? Isenberg suggests the latter as she traces the history of the country from the first English settlements, through the Civil War, and up to present-day pop culture, examining the origins of the language and attitudes that have defined poor, white Americans for centuries.Īs Donald Trump moved in to the White House thanks, in part, to a vocal contingent of poor, white supporters, White Trash ’s detailed history offers insight to how the new president curried the favor of this large, often overlooked population, and how they might fare under his leadership.

Throughout its history, America has prided itself on the American Dream, where a person, regardless of class, can be whomever they want.

In her New York Times –bestselling book White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America, Nancy Isenberg explores the role of poor, rural whites-white trash-in US culture and politics. This short summary and analysis of White Trash includes:Ībout White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg: So much to read, so little time? This brief overview of White Trash tells you what you need to know-before or after you read Nancy Isenberg’s book.Ĭrafted and edited with care, Worth Books set the standard for quality and give you the tools you need to be a well-informed reader.

White trash 400 years