19 Comments
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Ourland's avatar

Love your work, man. Have you ever thought about publishing a book? I'd be first in line to buy it.

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rothenbg's avatar

I find these posts insightful about the subject but don't really think its the best idea to denigrate the people who you are explicitly not profiling and communicating with (i.e. the supposed "front row"). Its possible to highlight working-class virtues on their own merit without painting everyone else negatively. Just a common theme that I have been noticing.

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Greg Nagle's avatar

Chris was way up in the front row too with a PhD in physics and 20 years working in banks. He knows them well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Arnade

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jim's avatar

I’m really fascinated by the obvious northeast liberal lens the writer sees the world through. How he has been conditioned to view everything through the lens of race, ethnicity and economic status. Then, once he interacts with the townsfolk, he quickly realizes none of those things matter much to people. I live in the southeast, not the middle, but have always felt the same way as these folks. I constantly tell people to turn off the TV, and get out from behind your computer. Go out and live life in the real world. You’ll soon find out we are a lot more alike than different. And most of us are just trying to get along, make a decent wage, raise a family and knock back a few cold ones with friends when the opportunity arises.

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Chris K's avatar

I am currently listening to a compilation CD (yeah old school) of songs from Canada's east coast. These songs seems like the fishing version of the rust belt experience. Very different physical environment than the cities you are walking through but the impact for people (the dislocation, the disenfranchisement) feels familiar.

http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/06/fish.htm

https://www.lyricsmania.com/peters_dream_lyrics_lennie_gallant.html

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Frank Lee's avatar

Parts of the US depress me like did the images of places in the USSR. Ironically it was the fall of the USSR that seemed to begin the decay of these places in the US.

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Evan Kasakove's avatar

Interesting to read about the rejuvenation of Buffalo. While "the front row" has done a ton of wrong in the past aren't they part of the solution of making these places better for everyone? -I really learned a lot from your book, so thanks!

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Chris Arnade's avatar

Yes they are, but In my humble view, we in the Front Row need to listen more to the complaints of others. That means getting out and talking to people. Not down to them!

And thank you

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Evan Kasakove's avatar

Thanks for the response. Yes, I agree the Front Row should treat those less fortunate better. And while I believe strongly in the dignity of people and respecting different ways of life how do you square that with a belief in a better version of meritocracy and upward mobility? Granting that not everyone has to live exactly like the Front Row with their fancy college degrees and knowledge economy jobs etc.

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Drew Fagin's avatar

Love your newsletter, was happy to see my hometown Indy featured!

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Frank ConwY's avatar

Thanks again Chris. Well observed, well documented, great recap. “ It is simple. The American Dream!” and “mostly all who want out are out”. The rough corollary is “those who are still here are all in.” New York’s West Coast. City of no illusions. shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk and steps. Wood houses not that great at aging gracefully with these winters once they are 100 years old. Go Bills.

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Chris Arnade's avatar

"those who are still here are all in.” --- That is so true. I wish I had used that line!

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Frank ConwY's avatar

So I was in Cincy for a wonderful wedding this past weekend. walked a few blocks beyond the usual Findlay Market tourist boundary. Was pretending I were you. Things get real fast.

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Irwin Rosenthal's avatar

Fine report. We visited for five days. Loved it. Found immigrants from Yemen,Pakistan , Sri Lanka. They liked Buffalo. Us too.

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Martin Black's avatar

the kind of city I'd like to visit if I ever get the chance to cross the Atlantic again.

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James Schroeder's avatar

Buffalo is a great city.

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Tim Small's avatar

Thanks again. The bit about the front row having little if any real connection to immigrants except as cheap labor is so spot on.

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Madeleine's avatar

Yep.

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Ben's avatar

Amazing, sir. Go Bills.

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