Summary
Benjamin Harreld discusses his book 'Disillusioned' which critiques the American suburban dream and reveals the racial injustices and unsustainable promises hidden beneath. He shares his personal experiences and the inspiration behind the book, as well as the surprising findings about the changing demographics and histories of suburban communities. Harreld explores the challenges of writing on a polarizing topic and balancing despair and hope in the narratives. He emphasizes the importance of shedding illusions and having honest conversations about the realities of suburbia. The main takeaway is to understand suburbia in a more comprehensive and honest way and to confront the issues head-on with a path forward. The conversation explores the need for both individual and community change, as well as policy and financial implications. Investing in children and their education is highlighted as a crucial step towards creating a more equitable future. The power of youth imagination and creativity is emphasized, along with the importance of continuing the conversation through teaching and book clubs. The conversation also touches on finding purpose, working hard, and being seen and recognized for one's contributions.
Takeaways
- Suburbia is not what we tend to think it is, and it is important to have a more comprehensive and honest understanding of it.
- Shedding illusions and recognizing the flaws in our own versions of the American dream is crucial to addressing the challenges in suburbia.
- Building relationships and listening to different perspectives are key to navigating the complexities of suburbia and finding hope amidst the challenges.
- Confronting the realities of suburbia and having honest conversations about race and inequality are necessary for creating positive change.
- There is a path forward for addressing the issues in suburbia and working towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Both individual and community change are necessary to address the impact of suburban segregation.
- Investing in children and their education is crucial for creating a more equitable future.
- Youth imagination and creativity play a powerful role in shaping the future.
- Continuing the conversation through teaching and book clubs can help raise awareness and understanding.
- Finding purpose, working hard, and being seen and recognized are important for making a meaningful impact.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Benjamin Harreld and his book
01:39Realizing the Influence of Writing on American Suburbia
03:14The Changing Demographics of Suburbia
05:37The Vicious Cycle of Suburban Decline
09:24Personal Experience and the Inspiration for the Book
11:07Disillusionment with the American Suburban Dream
15:50Selecting the Families and Communities for the Book
19:18The Cycle of Suburban Change
22:30The Acceleration of Suburban Cycles
24:19Surprising Findings: Demographic Changes and Suburban Histories
26:26The Racist Origins of Suburban Policies
28:38The Hope and Despair in Suburban Communities
30:56The Book's Contribution to the Conversation on Race and Inequality
33:07Challenges in Writing the Book and Listening to Different Perspectives
36:00Profound Stories and Moments in the Book
38:39The Shift in Perspective on Listening and Hope
42:04Main Takeaways: Understanding Suburbia and Shedding Illusions
43:05Individual and Community Change
44:14Policy and Financial Implications
45:08Investing in Children
46:37Youth Imagination and Creativity
48:50Continuing the Conversation
51:23Finding Purpose and Working Hard
52:44Being Seen and Recognized
53:23The Power of Holding the Book
54:15Connecting with Benjamin Herold
55:06Closing Remarks
Connect with Benjamin: This episode is brought to you completely free by Tower Community Bank! Check us out!
Connect with Brett:
Please subscribe to or follow The Impact Code and leave a review.
Thank you for listening!