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American Made

American Made

What Happens to People When Work Disappears
by Farah Stockman 2021 418 pages
4.30
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. The Decline of American Manufacturing: A Personal Journey

"They're closing down!" one shouted. "They're sending our jobs to Mexico."

The author's journey begins with the closure of the Rexnord bearing plant in Indianapolis. This event serves as a microcosm for the larger story of American manufacturing's decline. The factory, once a symbol of American industrial might, becomes a casualty of globalization and changing economic priorities.

The closure affects workers like Shannon Mulcahy, Wally Hall, and John Feltner, each representing different facets of the American working class:

  • Shannon: A single mother who fought her way into a male-dominated profession
  • Wally: A Black man who found stability and respect in factory work
  • John: A union leader grappling with the changing nature of labor relations

Their stories illustrate the personal impact of deindustrialization, highlighting the loss of not just jobs, but identities and communities built around factory work.

2. Globalization's Double-Edged Sword: Winners and Losers

"The more I looked at NAFTA, the more I realized that the ones who suffered the greatest job losses were blue-collar workers, while the ones who reaped the greatest economic gains were people with college degrees."

Economic policies like NAFTA and China's entry into the WTO were sold as beneficial for all Americans. In reality, they created clear winners and losers:

Winners:

  • Multinational corporations
  • College-educated professionals
  • Consumers benefiting from lower prices

Losers:

  • Factory workers
  • Small towns dependent on manufacturing
  • Union power and influence

The shift led to:

  • Stagnant wages for blue-collar workers
  • Increased income inequality
  • A growing divide between urban and rural America

This economic realignment set the stage for political upheaval and resentment among those left behind by globalization.

3. The Human Cost of Factory Closures: Identity, Community, and Purpose

"Work gives us a reason to get out of bed, a place to be, and a source of self-worth. It gives us social networks, mentors, and unions that amplify our political voice."

Factory jobs provided more than just a paycheck. They offered:

  • A sense of identity and purpose
  • Community and social connections
  • Upward mobility for those without college degrees
  • A way to support a family on a single income

The loss of these jobs led to:

  • Increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide in affected communities
  • Breakdown of family structures
  • Loss of social cohesion and civic engagement
  • A sense of betrayal and abandonment by both government and corporations

The author argues that the emotional and psychological impact of deindustrialization has been underestimated and overlooked by policymakers and economists.

4. Race, Class, and the Changing Face of Blue-Collar America

"I don't see you as a black worker. I see you as my sister or my brother."

The factory floor was a microcosm of America's complex racial dynamics:

  • Historically, unions both fought for and resisted racial equality
  • Factory jobs provided economic stability for many Black workers
  • Affirmative action created tensions but also opportunities

The decline of manufacturing affected workers of all races, but in different ways:

  • White workers often felt a loss of status and privilege
  • Black workers faced compounded economic challenges
  • Immigrant workers were often blamed for job losses

The author explores how these racial dynamics played out in the factory and in broader society, challenging simplistic narratives about race and class in America.

5. The Rise of Trump: A Voice for the Forgotten Working Class

"Trump had made it clear with his actions, if not his words, that he wasn't fighting for black people like them."

Donald Trump's appeal to blue-collar workers stemmed from:

  • Promises to bring back manufacturing jobs
  • Criticism of free trade agreements
  • Anti-immigration rhetoric
  • An "outsider" image that resonated with those who felt betrayed by traditional politicians

However, Trump's support was not universal among factory workers:

  • Many Black workers saw his rhetoric as racist
  • Some union leaders opposed his anti-labor policies
  • Workers were divided on whether he actually delivered on his promises

The author explores how Trump's presidency both reflected and exacerbated existing divisions in American society, particularly around issues of race and class.

6. The Pandemic's Impact: Exposing Economic Vulnerabilities

"Never had the dangers of globalization been made so plain."

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities of the American economy:

  • Essential workers, often in low-wage jobs, faced the greatest health risks
  • The fragility of global supply chains became apparent
  • Inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes were highlighted
  • The digital divide between white-collar and blue-collar workers widened

The pandemic also accelerated existing trends:

  • Automation and job displacement
  • The shift to remote work for some, but not all
  • The decline of traditional retail and service industries

For many former factory workers, the pandemic represented yet another economic shock in a series of setbacks, further eroding their financial stability and faith in the system.

7. The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Economy

"Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment."

The challenges facing American workers are significant, but not insurmountable. The author explores potential solutions and adaptations:

Policy proposals:

  • Investment in retraining and education programs
  • Stronger social safety nets
  • Industrial policies to support domestic manufacturing
  • Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential response to job displacement

Individual strategies:

  • Embracing lifelong learning and skill development
  • Building resilience and adaptability
  • Finding new sources of identity and community outside of traditional work

The author argues that addressing these challenges will require a combination of personal responsibility, community support, and government action. The future of work in America will depend on how successfully society can navigate these changes while preserving dignity and opportunity for all workers.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears about?

  • Focus on factory closures: The book examines the impact of factory closures on individuals and communities, particularly in Indianapolis, through the stories of Shannon, Wally, and John.
  • Personal narratives: It highlights broader themes of economic change, social justice, and the struggles of the working class in America, showing how job loss affects identity and community ties.
  • Cultural and political context: The narrative situates personal stories within the larger context of globalization, free trade, and the political landscape affecting blue-collar workers in the U.S.

Why should I read American Made?

  • Insight into working-class struggles: The book provides a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working-class Americans amid economic shifts, humanizing statistics on job loss.
  • Relevance to current issues: It is timely, shedding light on the real-life consequences of globalization and automation, which are ongoing discussions.
  • Engaging storytelling: Farah Stockman combines thorough research with compelling storytelling, making the book both informative and engaging.

What are the key takeaways of American Made?

  • Impact of job loss: Losing a job affects personal identity and community cohesion, with characters experiencing emotions from despair to resilience.
  • Intersection of race and class: The book illustrates how race and class intersect in the workplace, affecting opportunities and experiences.
  • Need for solidarity: It advocates for worker solidarity, suggesting collective action is essential for addressing globalization challenges.

What are the best quotes from American Made and what do they mean?

  • “Jobs matter.” This quote emphasizes the importance of work in shaping identity and community, reflecting that employment is about purpose and belonging.
  • “You are a member of a great industrial family.” It highlights the sense of community and identity provided by factory work, underscoring emotional and social ties.
  • “If you want it, fight for it.” This reflects the characters' resilience and determination, serving as a rallying cry for workers to advocate for their rights.

How does American Made address the concept of globalization?

  • Globalization's impact on jobs: The book discusses how globalization has led to outsourcing, devastating communities like those in Indianapolis.
  • Personal stories of loss: Through Shannon, Wally, and John, it shows globalization as a reality affecting lives, highlighting the human cost of economic decisions.
  • Call for awareness and action: The author encourages recognizing globalization's implications and advocating for policies that protect workers.

How do the characters in American Made react differently to their job losses?

  • Shannon's resilience: She finds strength in her identity as a worker and mother, determined to provide for her family despite challenges.
  • Wally's entrepreneurial spirit: He sees the factory closure as an opportunity to start a barbecue business, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
  • John's anger and activism: He feels betrayed by the system, becoming politically active and advocating for workers' rights and solidarity.

What role does race play in American Made?

  • Intersection of race and class: The book examines how race influences characters' experiences, particularly in job loss and economic opportunity.
  • Solidarity and division: It illustrates how racial dynamics can unite or divide workers, highlighting tensions in a diverse workforce.
  • Historical context: The narrative discusses past injustices shaping current experiences, emphasizing the need to address these issues for workers' rights.

How does American Made illustrate the importance of community?

  • Factory as a community hub: The factory is portrayed as central to the community, with its closure disrupting relationships and causing isolation.
  • Support networks: Characters rely on family and friends for support, highlighting community ties' importance in navigating unemployment challenges.
  • Collective action: The book advocates for worker solidarity to address globalization challenges, suggesting it's essential for rebuilding communities.

What does American Made say about the future of work in America?

  • Job displacement concerns: The book raises concerns about automation and globalization, suggesting many jobs may continue to disappear.
  • Need for policy change: It calls for policies protecting workers and creating sustainable job opportunities, emphasizing a fairer economic system.
  • Hope for resilience: Despite challenges, the book conveys hope and resilience among workers, illustrating potential for adaptation and change.

How does American Made explore the theme of the American Dream?

  • Disillusionment with the American Dream: Characters grapple with the reality that the American Dream is increasingly out of reach for many.
  • Resilience and hope: Despite setbacks, characters demonstrate resilience, reflecting the ongoing pursuit of the American Dream.
  • Economic inequality: The book critiques systemic barriers preventing many from achieving the American Dream, highlighting the wealth gap.

What impact does the closure of the factory have on the local community?

  • Economic decline: The closure leads to job losses affecting local businesses and services, increasing unemployment and financial instability.
  • Social fragmentation: It disrupts social networks and relationships, with individuals struggling to adapt to new realities.
  • Cultural shifts: The closure signifies a shift away from traditional manufacturing jobs, leading to a loss of identity for many workers.

What is the significance of the factory setting in American Made?

  • Symbol of American industry: The factory represents the heart of American manufacturing, with its closure signifying the decline of blue-collar work.
  • Community hub: It serves as a social space where workers build relationships, with its loss disrupting the community's social fabric.
  • Economic implications: The closure highlights economic shifts towards globalization, serving as a case study for corporate decisions' consequences on workers.

Review Summary

4.30 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

American Made receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising Stockman's in-depth exploration of factory workers' lives after job loss. Many appreciate the balanced perspective on class, race, and politics in America. The book is lauded for its empathetic portrayal of blue-collar workers and insights into the impacts of globalization. Some critics note the author's privileged background and occasional biases. Overall, reviewers find the book engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant to understanding contemporary American society and the 2016 election.

Your rating:

About the Author

Farah Stockman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. She worked for the Boston Globe and the New York Times, where she served as an editorial writer. Stockman's background includes growing up in a privileged environment and graduating from Harvard. Her experiences as an African American woman from an educated, upper-middle-class background inform her perspective in "American Made." Stockman spent years researching and interviewing subjects for the book, immersing herself in the lives of factory workers in Indianapolis. Her writing style is noted for its empathy and ability to weave personal stories with broader societal issues.

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