Liberalism and Democracy in post-reform America: The Women of the Brookside strike of 1974.

• In Event: Studies in the Rhetorical Potential and Limitations of Liberalism and Radicalism in Democracy

Abstract

This paper investigates the 1974 Brookside strike in Harlan County, Kentucky. This strike highlights a shift in culture that emerged in the wake of 1960s social reforms, namely the importance of the rhetoric of liberalism. First, the Brookside strike is detailed, including its place in the history of Harlan County strikes. Second, this essay outlines the change in culture that resulted from post-1968 political reforms that placed primacy on liberalism over democracy.

Author

• Kane Click, Univ of Nebraska, Lincoln