The Anthropocene Reviewed
99% Invisible
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The American Penny: A Symbol of Economic Struggles
This chapter examines the history and relevance of the American penny, questioning its continued existence in light of financial inefficiencies and societal issues. It draws parallels between the penny's decline and broader political challenges, while narrating the evolution of grocery shopping through the story of Piggly Wiggly and its founder, Clarence Saunders. The discussion reveals how the penny embodies the failures of the political system to tackle obvious economic problems, set against the backdrop of changing consumer behaviors and corporate ambitions.
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