Straight White American Jesus It's in the Code ep 176: “A New Eden?”
Jan 21, 2026
The discussion dives into Josh Hawley’s perspective on the role of husbands in marriage and its purported societal benefits. Hawley’s nostalgic vision contrasts rural life with contemporary society, suggesting marriage can restore a lost Eden. However, the critique points out the exclusion of queer identities within this 'kinder' patriarchy. The hosts unravel how Hawley's arguments often rely on myth-making and selective biblical interpretations, creating contradictions in his vision of family and social order.
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Recurring Themes Structure The Argument
- Dan Miller highlights recurring themes in Hawley's book like nostalgic agrarianism and oversimplified cultural binaries.
- These themes reveal a broader pattern shared across right-wing cultural arguments, not just Hawley specifically.
Read The Presumptions Not Just Claims
- Miller warns listeners to read Hawley critically and recognize the kinder, gentler form of patriarchy he advances.
- He advises attention to what Hawley presumes rather than what he explicitly states, like cis-heteronormativity.
Soft Style, Hard Patriarchal Goals
- Miller contrasts Hawley's 'kinder, gentler' patriarchy with harsher variants like J.D. Vance or Donald Trump.
- He explains Hawley's tone masks similar aims while making them more palatable to mainstream audiences.