lexpress.fr
\"American Crime Novels Reflect Political Polarization Post-Trump\
Post-Trump American crime novels increasingly reflect the nation's political polarization, with authors embedding classic police investigations in real-life events and exploring anxieties about fascism and civil war, as seen in works by Michael Connelly and Attica Locke, who details the disillusionment of some Black communities with the Democratic party, contributing to Trump's appeal.
- What specific events or factors have contributed to the increased focus on political themes in contemporary American crime fiction?
- This trend, observed in bookstores and the Quais du Polar festival, showcases authors embedding classic police investigations within the context of recent events like the Capitol riot (e.g., Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series). Others directly address anxieties about potential fascism and civil war, fueled by the political polarization of the country.
- How has the political climate in the United States since the 2016 election influenced the themes and narratives of American crime novels?
- Since the 2016 election of Donald Trump, a surge in American crime novels reflects the nation's political climate. These books, while not directly critical of the administration, explore the consequences of this new political reality, particularly in the Southern United States.
- How do novels such as Attica Locke's "The Return" offer insights into the disillusionment of some American voters with the Democratic party, contributing to the rise of Trump's support?
- The impact extends to challenging French readers' perceptions of America. Attica Locke's "The Return" illustrates how Barack Obama's presidency, while initially hopeful, ultimately disappointed some lower-middle-class Black communities who felt abandoned, leading them to support Trump. This shift reveals deeper societal fractures and the complexities of political allegiance in a fractured society.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the shift in American crime fiction as largely a consequence of Trump's presidency. While the connection is explored, other contributing factors (socioeconomic changes, technological advancements, evolving readership preferences) are largely absent. This framing, though supported by some evidence, risks oversimplifying a complex cultural shift. The headline and introduction prioritize the narrative of Trump's influence, setting the tone for the entire piece.
Language Bias
The article uses some loaded language, such as describing Trump supporters as having participated in the "invasion" of the Capitol and referring to Trump's rhetoric as "irrational." While these are opinions held by some, using more neutral terms like "attack" or "controversial" would create a less biased tone. The characterization of Trump's supporters' motivations as stemming from a sense of being "used" and then "discarded" by Obama is also somewhat emotionally charged.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of Trump's presidency on American crime fiction, but omits discussion of other potential influences on the genre's evolution. While it mentions exceptions to the "serial killer" trend under Obama, a more comprehensive exploration of social and political factors beyond Trump's influence would provide a more balanced perspective. The limited scope might unintentionally mislead readers into believing Trump's impact is the sole or primary driver of the genre shift.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the political landscape, contrasting primarily between Trump supporters and those who are disappointed with Obama. It doesn't fully explore the nuances of political affiliations or the complexities of motivations within different segments of the population. For example, the motivations for supporting Trump are portrayed somewhat broadly as a reaction to perceived neglect by the Democrats and Obama, without acknowledging a diversity of reasons.
Gender Bias
The article features several male authors and their works prominently. While female authors like Attica Locke and Ivy Pochoda are mentioned, their contributions are presented within the broader context of the overall trend rather than as significant individual voices. More balanced representation of male and female authors' perspectives could strengthen the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the socio-economic disparities in the US, particularly impacting the Black community. The disillusionment with the Obama administration and the appeal of Trump