ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a chronological description of how the white working class was formed and historically represented in media. I first address the rise and subsequent fall from cultural grace of the white working class, as evidenced by the various derogatory labels attributed to this population, which I define. The remainder of the chapter describes the origin and evolution of “white trash” in media, with a particular focus on sitcoms, film, and talk shows. Detailing the history of “white trash” representations in such a manner reveals the myriad ways Americans use popular culture to negotiate and cope with a rapidly evolving society.
