Exurbia Now: The Battleground of American Democracy

by David Masciotra

The suburbs have become too liberal and diverse for many white American conservatives, so "exurbia"—areas outside the cities and their suburbs—are becoming the staging ground for the radical right extremist insurgency . . .

Beyond a fanatical devotion to former president Donald Trump, one of the curious things that united the rank and file of the January 6 insurrectionist mob was that many of them were residents of one of America's fastest growing residential Exurbia. In this brilliant work of political and cultural inquiry, veteran political journalist David Masciotra provides a definitive account of what exurbia is, how it came to be, and how it's transforming American life. Zooming in outside the greater metropolitan area of Chicago—where Masciotra grew up—he shows how exurbia has become a safe space to fly the MAGA flag and romanticize the mores of the pre-civil rights, pre-feminist, pre-gay rights 1950s.

But, as Masciotra also shows, reactionary white flight is not the whole story of small-town America. The story often lost is the power and persistence of small-town liberals—people who believe in equality, celebrate diversity, and enroll in movements for justice. Exurbia, as it turns out, is ground zero for the fight over a democracy mightily beleaguered, yet still full of promise, and still worth fighting for.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History

Audible Audio

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

David Masciotra is the author of the forthcoming, "Exurbia Now: The Battleground for American Democracy" (Melville House Books), and "I am Somebody: Why Jesse Jackson Matters" (Bloomsbury, 2020). His previous books are "Working On a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen" (Bloomsbury, 2010), "Mellencamp: American Troubadour" (University Press of Kentucky, 2015), "Metallica by Metallica" (a 33 1/3 from Bloomsbury, 2015), and "Barack Obama: Invisible Man" (Eyewear Publishing, 2017).

He writes regularly The New Republic, Washington Monthly, the Progressive, CrimeReads, and many other publications on politics, music, and literature.

He lives in Indiana, where he teaches literature and writing courses at Indiana University Northwest. For more information visit www.davidmasciotra.com.

Hello Grace and Jenna!

Reviews

[Melissa Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exurbia Now offers a compelling and insightful examination of northwest Indiana, particularly focusing on the political dynamics shaped by the region's exurban development. For those familiar with the area, the book not only provides a factual account of the present political landscape but also evokes a strong sense of nostalgia through its vivid descriptions of familiar locales.

Having lived in northwest Indiana, I found myself transported back to my old stomping grounds as I turned the pages. The author's ability to weave personal anecdotes with detailed observations of the region's evolving political environment makes the narrative both engaging and relatable. From the small-town charm of places like Valparaiso to the industrial backdrop of Gary, the book paints a comprehensive picture of the region's unique character and the diverse influences that shape its politics.

One of the standout aspects of *Exurbia Now* is its accuracy and relevance to contemporary political issues. The author delves into the complex interplay between suburban growth, economic changes, and political shifts, offering readers a well-researched and truthful portrayal of modern-day politics in northwest Indiana. The book sheds light on how exurban areas, often overlooked in broader political analyses, play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes and policy decisions.

The exploration of exurbia's impact on local and regional politics is particularly enlightening. The author meticulously traces the rise of exurban communities and their influence on voting patterns, political representation, and policy priorities. This analysis is enriched by interviews with local residents, political figures, and experts, providing a diverse range of perspectives that add depth to the narrative.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of exurban politics and the unique character of northwest Indiana. Whether you have a personal connection to the area or simply seek to broaden your understanding of contemporary political trends, this book offers a thoughtful, engaging, and accurate portrayal of a region that plays a significant role in the larger political landscape.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masciotra is a journalist, arts writer and a member of academia. He uses his home ground of the greater Chicago metra area in order to explain the growth of "exurbia" in the US, and its connection to the scourge of Trumpism.
A good mix of the personal and actual research - well annotated.
It was nice to find, near the end of the book, that we have a common connection in Joliet, IL. I grew up there. He went to the U of St Francis in Joliet, and his first job out of college was on the Joliet "Herald-News" newspaper.
Well written - informative, and yet it reads well without being a chore. And chock full of facts.
My thanks to my local PL for procuring this book upon my request.
4 out of 5.
Good read for current events, democracy and facts, and history of the greater Chicago area.

[Carly Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the ebook prepub of this title. I was expecting more of a journalistic account of the south Chicago suburbs in Illinois and Indiana. There was some of that, but the author brought in a lot more about the general characteristics of the exurbs much of what I was familiar with from podcasts, articles, and other books. He describes the appeal of the exurbs as an escape from the liberalism of the suburbs and cities and an embrace of aloneness and whiteness. I agree with some of this analysis however I also feel that the high cost of living in cities/close suburbs has forced people born after 1980 to move further and further away from cities since they can't afford to buy homes in older neighborhoods.

[Jake Henceroth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sells itself as an examination of the growing cohesion of the politics of exurbia, it mostly just functions as a fairly surface level compilation of a million other "this is why conservatism is bad" explainer that have been published since I was in high school, complete with a ton of obnoxious liberal smarm (there's an entire section on craft beer vs corporate beer as a stand-in for ideological polarization, right out of 2014). I've read this book more times than I can count, even if they all have different titles. None of the characterizations of conservatives are inaccurate, really, but there's very little actual insight or history being offered here.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

According to this book, Republicans are dangerous to the country. They want to keep women at home, hate gays, hate immigrants, hate people of color, and want to overthrow democracy. According to this book, the exurbia is the well-spring of the Republican movement. They are running away from the cities and suburbs because they can't stand women, gays, immigrants, people of color, and the democracy of urban life.

The End.

[Andrew Schaeffler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting discussion of the intersection between zoning and community and how the role of community has changed over time. However, a bit dense and not really presenting a cohesive argument, leading to several unrelated studies being cited one by one, rather than together. Appreciated shoutouts to housing policy and how Americans see the role of community and what community is.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gift from my son. Although I live in southwestern Michigan, I went to college in northwest Indiana where this discussion of exurbia takes place. As a frequent visitor to Chicago, I pass through this area frequently. The author argues that people who keep moving further out from the cities are the MAGA crowd and how that hurts all of us.

[Karla Kitalong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masciotra offers some novel (to me) opinions or explanations of the current state of culture and politics in the U.S. His work helps to explain how Trump got elected a second time. I found his arguments and observations to be plausible if at times a bit strident.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at our current state of affairs. Sad, funny, insightful. A wonderful read.

[Tyler J Hinds · Rating 3 out of 5]

5.6

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hate breeds hate. More Americans need to learn this.