American Made

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: February 12, 2025