
I always buy
Atlantic when I'm traveling. It's great plane reading and once I get back home I invariably wonder why I don't subscribe.
But enough about me.
Well, not really.
I was down in San Diego for an overnight biz trip (that's hardcore-professional shorthand for business, saves five letters and, as we hardcore pros like to say, "time is $.") and on the plane down I read Don Peck's cover story on the lasting effects of long term unemployment on both society and individuals.
It's one of the most interesting magazine articles I've read in years (another great one
here) and manages to intelligently examine the current economic situation and its impact on (at least) our short and medium-term future without getting into politics or policy or any of the other aspects of the recession that cause so many people tune out. It's a brilliant and big picture sociological piece about what happens to society when people can't find work.
It's pretty terrifying. And I highly recommend it.
Here's the short lead-in,
The Great Recession may be over, but this era of high joblessness is probably just beginning. Before it ends, it will likely change the life course and character of a generation of young adults. It will leave an indelible imprint on many blue-collar men. It could cripple marriage as an institution in many communities. It may already be plunging many inner cities into a despair not seen for decades. Ultimately, it is likely to warp our politics, our culture, and the character of our society for years to come.Click here to give the whole article a well-deserved read.Enjoy...(?)