Yoni Appelbaum, a journalist and deputy executive editor at The Atlantic, dives into the intricate history of zoning in America. He reveals the surprising racist origins of these laws and how they continue to affect poor communities today. Growing up as an Orthodox Jew in Boston, Yoni shares his personal journey from politics to journalism. The discussion also touches on the significance of mobility in early America, the challenges faced by immigrants, and how progressivism inadvertently restricts upward movement for marginalized groups.
Yoni Appelbaum highlights the historically significant decline in American mobility, illustrating its impact on socioeconomic opportunities for lower-income families.
The evolution of zoning laws in America, rooted in racism and privilege, exemplifies how municipal regulations have shaped social stratification.
Appelbaum's personal narrative as an Orthodox Jew reflects the broader immigrant experience of balancing cultural identity with integration into American society.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Marriage Equality
The history of marriage equality is significantly influenced by key figures, notably Evan Wolfson, who is instrumental in the movement's progression. His efforts culminated in the establishment of a legal framework that supports marriage equality across the United States. Wolfson's journey is not just about activism; it reflects a commitment to societal change, as he famously closed his organization after achieving its foundational goal, showcasing a unique dedication to the cause. This narrative emphasizes the importance of perseverance and advocacy in achieving legal rights for marginalized communities.
Shifts in European Politics
The rise of far-right political parties across Europe signals a shift in the political landscape, impacting countries like Britain, where the Reform Party has gained prominence. This transformation is viewed as a response to mainstream parties failing to address the concerns of their traditional base, particularly around issues such as immigration. The discussion revolves around how these parties, initially deemed fringe, are reshaping political discourse and injecting issues of nationalism and identity into mainstream politics. This trend raises concerns about the future of liberal democracy in Europe.
China and Artificial Intelligence
Nick Denton’s insights delve into the complex relationship between China and advancements in artificial intelligence, highlighting how these dynamics shape global power structures. The conversation underscores the rapid technological development in China alongside the ethical and political implications of AI. Denton emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of how these changes affect not just China but the world at large, as nations navigate the challenges posed by such technologies. This exploration reveals the intersection of technology, privacy, and international relations.
Orthodox Identity and American Life
Yoni Applebaum’s background as an Orthodox Jew offers a unique perspective on navigating identity within American society. Growing up in a community with strong cultural ties provided him with a sense of belonging while simultaneously prompting reflections on fitting into the broader American framework. The tension between communal identity and individuality illustrates the broader narrative of immigrant experiences in the U.S., where unique cultural practices often clash with mainstream societal norms. Applebaum’s experience reflects a common struggle among many Americans balancing faith, tradition, and the pursuit of opportunity.
The Mobility Crisis in America
The decline of American mobility, where only one in thirteen Americans moves each year, highlights a significant cultural and socioeconomic shift. Historically, mobility was a hallmark of American identity, allowing individuals to seek better opportunities and reshape their lives, fostering a diverse and adaptable society. However, contemporary trends indicate that many neighborhoods have become enclaves for the affluent, limiting access for lower-income families to pursue the American Dream. Understanding this mobility crisis sheds light on the broader issues of inequality and social stratification that define modern American life.
Yoni is a journalist and academic. He used to be a lecturer on history and literature at Harvard, and also taught at Babson College and Brandeis. He subsequently served in many editorial and writing roles at The Atlantic, where he’s currently a deputy executive editor. He just published his first book, Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. It’s an engrossing account of how zoning in America — yes, zoning — evolved from the Puritans onward. I was unexpectedly fascinated.
For two clips of our convo — on the racist origins of zoning, and how progressivism is keeping poor people in place — see our YouTube page.
Other topics: raised as an orthodox Jew in the Boston area; spending a year at a yeshiva in Israel; interning for the Gore campaign in 1999; working for the Public Advocate in NYC; studying the Gilded Age in grad school; discovering Ta-Nehisi Coates as a Dish reader and getting hired at The Atlantic through TNC’s comments section; mobility as a core feature of early America; the Pilgrims; how the Puritans branched off; moving to construct one’s identity; Tocqueville; American Primeval; the “warning out” of early American towns; Lincoln’s mobility; the Moving Day of pre-war NYC; Chinese laundries; violence against immigrants; the Progressive drive for zoning; Yoni defending tenements; Hoover’s push for single-family homes; defaulting in the Depression; FDR’s push for long mortgages; the feds distorting the market; racial segregation; Jane Jacobs vs central planning; Thatcher and public housing; the rise of shitty architecture; cognitive sorting; Hillbilly Elegy; mass migration and rising costs in the UK; how leftist regulations stifle building; and the abundance movement.
Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Chris Caldwell on the political revolution in Europe, Evan Wolfson on the history of marriage equality, Nick Denton on China and AI, Francis Collins on faith and science, Michael Lewis on government service, Ian Buruma on Spinoza, Michael Joseph Gross on bodybuilding, and the great and powerful Mike White, of White Lotus fame. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
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