The Concept of Coastal Elites: A Historical and Cultural Analysis

The term ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; is frequently used in political discourse to highlight the perceived divides between urban and rural America. This term encapsulates individuals perceived as holding undemocratic and out-of-touch views, often drawing lines between ldquo;real Americansrdquo; and those seen as ldquo;elitist.rdquo; However, the origins of this term and the stereotypical portrayals of ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; can be traced back to earlier historical periods and industrial transformations.

A Historical Perspective on Elite Groups

For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the term used to describe these perceived elites was ldquo;The Eastern Establishmentrdquo; or ldquo;The East Coast.rdquo; These terms were synonymous with Wall Street, major banks, major railroads, and the large corporations concentrated in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. The rich, white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs) who were the owners and directors of these enterprises were the quintessential ldquo;Eastern Establishment.rdquo; Consider the image of the American aristocrats in The Titanic, sitting in first class while belittling Jack Dawson, the farm boy from Wisconsin, as a symbol of the economic disparity and social snobbery that existed during this period.

Shift in Perceptions From Economic to Cultural Elitism

Beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, the term ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; began to gain prominence, largely supplanting ldquo;The Eastern Establishmentrdquo; and ldquo;The East Coast.rdquo; This shift marked a change in the fulcrum of grievance. Prior to this shift, ldquo;The Eastern Establishmentrdquo; was hated primarily for its economic abuse and corruption. However, with the rise of cultural and social changes, the ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; became vilified for their cultural debauchery and debasement. This transformation was driven by a cultural backlash in the United States, where Hollywood's Hollywood was portrayed as a hub for ldquo;filthy hippiesrdquo; and ldquo;commiesrdquo; intent on destroying traditional American values.

The Role of Technology and Pop Culture

The 1970s and 1980s marked another significant period in the evolution of the ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; concept, notably with the rise of Silicon Valley. The idolization of technology by people coming from the Ivy League and Stanford further fueled the perception of ldquo;elitism.rdquo; The switch from a single ldquo;Eastern Establishmentrdquo; to a ldquo;Coastal Elitesrdquo; group includes not only the northeast but also the west coast, highlighting the growing power and cultural influence of tech companies based in California. This pluralization of ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; emphasizes the new concentrated elite present on the West Coast, contributing to the perception of a broader and more complex elite group.

The Impact on Political Discourse

The term ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; has become a powerful tool in political discourse, often employed to mobilize certain voter groups and support populist politicians. It serves as a rallying cry for those who feel economically and culturally disempowered, creating a narrative that paints the ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; as the driving force behind these supposed grievances. This narrative is often used to garner support and fuel political movements that promise to address these perceived injustices through policy changes and political upheaval.

Conclusion

The concept of ldquo;coastal elitesrdquo; is deeply rooted in America’s history, evolving from economic to cultural tensions. As society continues to change and evolve, so too does the discourse around ldquo;coastal elites,rdquo; reflecting shifting values and priorities. Understanding the historical context and evolution of this concept is crucial for comprehending contemporary political and social dynamics.