Honestly with Bari Weiss The Aftermath Part 2: The Haves and The Have Nots
Jan 21, 2022
In this discussion, journalist Alec MacGillis dives into the widening chasm between America's wealthy and working-class amidst the pandemic. He reveals how COVID-19 has accelerated economic disparities, placing a spotlight on those struggling in precarious jobs while the affluent flourish. MacGillis also critiques how convenience from giants like Amazon shapes social dynamics and politics, urging a return to community values. His insights challenge us to reflect on the future of our society and the pressing need for empathy in rebuilding post-pandemic America.
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Todd Swallows and the Cardboard Boxes
- Todd Swallows, a hardworking but troubled man, worked at a cardboard box factory in Dayton, Ohio.
- Many boxes he made went to Amazon, highlighting the shift from manufacturing to logistics in Dayton.
The Cost of Convenience
- Amazon's convenience comes at a cost: warehouse workers face immense pressure and constant tracking.
- Automation has intensified this pressure, making human roles more robotic and less autonomous.
From Retail to Robots
- Amazon's warehouse jobs, while sometimes better paid, are more grueling and isolating than the retail jobs they replaced.
- This shift reduces cross-class interaction, further dividing society.
