EconTalk Chris Arnade on Dignity
Jul 22, 2019
Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street trader turned photographer and author, shares transformative experiences from his journey across America. He discusses the resilience and dignity of marginalized communities often stigmatized by issues like addiction and homelessness. Arnade critiques societal focus on credentials, emphasizing the emotional ties individuals have to their communities. He also reflects on the limitations of science in addressing deeper human questions, advocating for empathy and genuine connection in understanding the complexities of human experience.
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Origin Story
- Chris Arnade, initially a Wall Street trader, started taking long walks to explore New York City neighborhoods.
- This led him to the South Bronx, a community he'd been advised to avoid, sparking his journey documented in "Dignity."
Data's Blind Spots
- Arnade's walks evolved into a "listening tour," using his camera to connect with people and challenge preconceived notions.
- He found thriving communities in unexpected places, highlighting the limitations of data-driven perspectives.
National Scope
- After three years in the Bronx, Arnade expanded his exploration to other stigmatized communities across America.
- He sought to test the "translational invariance" of his observations, driving across the country for two years.
