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The Trap: Selling Out to Stay Afloat in Winner-Take-All America
What is lost when the best and the brightest are corralled into corporate America, in the debut of a searing, rousing social critic In this provocative, witty, and revealing polemic, Daniel Brook argues that the exploding income gap--a product of the conservative ascendance--is systematically dismantling the American dream, as debt-laden, well-educated young people are torn between their passions and the pressure to earn six-figure incomes.
Rising education, housing, and health-care costs have made it virtually impossible for all but the corporate elite to enjoy what were once considered middle-class comforts. Thousands are afflicted with a wrenching take up residence on America's financial and social margins or sell out. And it's not just impoverished teachers and social workers, struggling to pay their rent, who are hurt. From the activist who works to give others a living wage but isn't paid one himself, to the universal health-care advocate who becomes a management consultant for Big Pharma, Brook presents a damning indictment of the economic and political landscape that traps young Americans. When the best and the brightest cannot afford to serve the public good, Brook asks, what are we selling an individual's career, or the very promise of American democracy?
Rising education, housing, and health-care costs have made it virtually impossible for all but the corporate elite to enjoy what were once considered middle-class comforts. Thousands are afflicted with a wrenching take up residence on America's financial and social margins or sell out. And it's not just impoverished teachers and social workers, struggling to pay their rent, who are hurt. From the activist who works to give others a living wage but isn't paid one himself, to the universal health-care advocate who becomes a management consultant for Big Pharma, Brook presents a damning indictment of the economic and political landscape that traps young Americans. When the best and the brightest cannot afford to serve the public good, Brook asks, what are we selling an individual's career, or the very promise of American democracy?
- GenresNonfictionEconomics
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 29, 2007
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146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 14, 2008
Overall, I thought this book did a solid job explaining the right wing's war against the middle class over the last few decades, and the left wing's eventual acquiescence. The author presented a good overview of Goldwater & Reagan's philosophies and economic policies that have so weakened the middle and working classes today. If you work hard and save your money, but still wonder why it is so difficult to achieve financial security today, read this book. It smartly lays out why basics like modest homeownership, health care, and education for our kids are out of reach for so many hardworking people today.
I kind of knew all of it in general, but reading about the specifics of the actual policies put into place by the Republicans was chilling -- why do some middle class and working class people think that the Republicans are on their side? They're not. Not in their philosophical economic beliefs, nor in the economic policies they've enacted, and this book spelled those truths out very clearly.
It was an engaging, informative, and quick read.
I kind of knew all of it in general, but reading about the specifics of the actual policies put into place by the Republicans was chilling -- why do some middle class and working class people think that the Republicans are on their side? They're not. Not in their philosophical economic beliefs, nor in the economic policies they've enacted, and this book spelled those truths out very clearly.
It was an engaging, informative, and quick read.
August 31, 2007
Why has the pay gap between a teacher and a corporate lawyer grown so enormous since the 1970s? More importantly, why do we all seem to think that's OK? Brooks looks at the phenomenon of well-educated young adults "selling out" -- not because they're greedy, but because it's literally impossible to live and raise a family doing work that benefits the community. He's a funny, fluid writer, and he will make you really mad.
August 30, 2007
This book is a must read for all younger people trying to understand the economic impacts of our current governmental policy. Hopefully, the more people that read it, the greater the possibility of change.
July 17, 2007
Yeah. It stinks that we have to work well-paying yet unsatisfying jobs to get through life. It stinks that it's a never-ending cycle of cost of living increases and sell outs.
It also stinks that this book presents itself as being so "liberal" but can't get past the prostitution metaphors, and so I can't get past that inherrent misogyny. And it really really stinks that, in a total insult to readers' intelligence, the conclusion of this book falls back on the old "Jefferson didn't believe in slavery...even though he owned slaves. And raped at least one. But after he died he freed his illegitimate children." I'm not sure that I even understand what the take-away message was.
It also stinks that this book presents itself as being so "liberal" but can't get past the prostitution metaphors, and so I can't get past that inherrent misogyny. And it really really stinks that, in a total insult to readers' intelligence, the conclusion of this book falls back on the old "Jefferson didn't believe in slavery...even though he owned slaves. And raped at least one. But after he died he freed his illegitimate children." I'm not sure that I even understand what the take-away message was.
January 25, 2009
A snarky account of why it is that all of us liberal-arts type majors are broke and poor...in all seriousness though, this was a pretty interesting read of why it is that jobs in corporate America pay so much more than jobs in non-profits, teaching, government, etc -- before Reaganomics, the incredible income gaps that we're familiar with today between these professions didn't exist. It also looks at other economic factors -- such as rising proportions of student debt and living expenses - that play a key role in why, for example, a law-school grad would choose a job defending a company that pollutes and cheats people, over something more honorable.
August 31, 2007
This book made me sit up and take notice of the trend that has taken hold of our generation to grasp for high-paying, misery (and often guilt)-inducing jobs just in order to get by. What used to be a middle class income no longer provides a middle class lifestyle today -- at least not in New York City or any other buzzing metropolis. With education and housing costs at ever increasing prices it's scary to think of how our generation will even be able to afford to have children at all.
January 27, 2018
It's a rare treat to read something that can change your mind.
August 22, 2007
Once you get over the elitism in this book, there are some valuable questions to ask. What is freedom? Is freedom the ability to choose your own doctor or health insurance plan? Or is freedom having health insurance so you do not have worry about going to back to school, quiting a job you hate, and so on? Is freedom coming out of school so debt laden that your choices of employment are effectively limited to who pays the most? Or, do not even make the choice because your employment goal no longer meets the cost benefit analysis equation of debt?
It's an interesting question. We liberals have tended to let the conservative agenda have the freedom debate all to themselves. "Yes, we are taking your freedom," we say, "But we are giving you healthcare." Untrue, we are giving you freedom so that you are no longer living in fear of losing your job and your health care. Health related costs accounted for nearly 50% of bankruptcies according to recent data (MSNBC). The economically conservative, Economist magazine, recently said that funing health care as we do now hurts innovation and the ability of people to move to jobs that best meet their potential. Why, you can't go from a job with health care to one without. You can't better yourself through law school or medical school if at the same time you are worried about getting sick.
In Making America Competitive, the authors suggest that having benefits tied to work is no longer viable in the new economy when people change jobs often.
So the question is, are you free when your choices are decided by debt, healthcare, etc? Or, are you free when you can make decisions that maximize your potential without having to worry so much about the monetary risks? What's better for society?
It's an interesting question. We liberals have tended to let the conservative agenda have the freedom debate all to themselves. "Yes, we are taking your freedom," we say, "But we are giving you healthcare." Untrue, we are giving you freedom so that you are no longer living in fear of losing your job and your health care. Health related costs accounted for nearly 50% of bankruptcies according to recent data (MSNBC). The economically conservative, Economist magazine, recently said that funing health care as we do now hurts innovation and the ability of people to move to jobs that best meet their potential. Why, you can't go from a job with health care to one without. You can't better yourself through law school or medical school if at the same time you are worried about getting sick.
In Making America Competitive, the authors suggest that having benefits tied to work is no longer viable in the new economy when people change jobs often.
So the question is, are you free when your choices are decided by debt, healthcare, etc? Or, are you free when you can make decisions that maximize your potential without having to worry so much about the monetary risks? What's better for society?
May 21, 2009
I wanted to wait a while before adding my thought on this book... sort of let things percolate and filter (how about that coffee metaphor!)
The author paints a compelling and complete picture of what has happened and the loss of the democratic vision to "bring the bottom up and hold the top down." Deliberately implemented right wing conservative policies have concentrated wealth at the very top and often put a large section of the (former) middle class out of price range for attaining a modest American dream. The author convincingly argues that without a high price job in the private sector, most young couples cannot raise a family and acquire real estate in the vibrant neighborhoods of large, creative urban centers. Perhaps this situation is funnelling much of the talent of the younger generation(s) to choose corporate jobs, jobs in field not of their original choosing (i,e.law) jobs not in the public interest or jobs that are not highly creative because that is the only way to make a reasonable living. Interesting questions.... When I gradulated from high school in the late 60"s (Oh my God!!), all the smart, intersting and motivated people went into science, medicine or the humanities/ artistic or social sciences. The world was ripe with possibilites and everyone wanted to make a contribution that would change the world. I cannot think of a single person that said they wanted to be a banker or a lawyer or accountant (not that this is a bad thing but chosen because it where your interests and talents lie, not because it is the only sure path to making a reasonable living.). My, my how things have changed and maybe not for the better.
The author paints a compelling and complete picture of what has happened and the loss of the democratic vision to "bring the bottom up and hold the top down." Deliberately implemented right wing conservative policies have concentrated wealth at the very top and often put a large section of the (former) middle class out of price range for attaining a modest American dream. The author convincingly argues that without a high price job in the private sector, most young couples cannot raise a family and acquire real estate in the vibrant neighborhoods of large, creative urban centers. Perhaps this situation is funnelling much of the talent of the younger generation(s) to choose corporate jobs, jobs in field not of their original choosing (i,e.law) jobs not in the public interest or jobs that are not highly creative because that is the only way to make a reasonable living. Interesting questions.... When I gradulated from high school in the late 60"s (Oh my God!!), all the smart, intersting and motivated people went into science, medicine or the humanities/ artistic or social sciences. The world was ripe with possibilites and everyone wanted to make a contribution that would change the world. I cannot think of a single person that said they wanted to be a banker or a lawyer or accountant (not that this is a bad thing but chosen because it where your interests and talents lie, not because it is the only sure path to making a reasonable living.). My, my how things have changed and maybe not for the better.
October 28, 2007
I liked it, though I didn't learn much that I don't already know. The main attraction is that it is about people I know and am related to - how the huge and growing income gap is ruining the lives of the haves as well as the have-nots.
The author's observations about the lives of the Trader Joes/Ikea/Target crowd, of which I am an aging member, are so true. As well the points about those high-paying jobs that people are selling out for really being as boring and unsatisfying as the lousy-paying jobs that most Americans have to try to make ends meet.
And the answer that people are tired of hearing but which remains true is the the only solution is a political one - we need the opposite of what we are doing now - a new new deal that gives us progressive taxation, health care for all, quality education, and economic that improves lives instead of just squandering wealth, and especially the end of the American empire. Otherwise, except for the very rich, everyones' lives are going to continue to get worse both for people who don't sell out so are poor and for those who work long hours on the treadmill helping the rich get richer.
The author's observations about the lives of the Trader Joes/Ikea/Target crowd, of which I am an aging member, are so true. As well the points about those high-paying jobs that people are selling out for really being as boring and unsatisfying as the lousy-paying jobs that most Americans have to try to make ends meet.
And the answer that people are tired of hearing but which remains true is the the only solution is a political one - we need the opposite of what we are doing now - a new new deal that gives us progressive taxation, health care for all, quality education, and economic that improves lives instead of just squandering wealth, and especially the end of the American empire. Otherwise, except for the very rich, everyones' lives are going to continue to get worse both for people who don't sell out so are poor and for those who work long hours on the treadmill helping the rich get richer.
November 26, 2007
Not a perfect book, but I'm giving it five stars for laying out in detail what I always suspected from talking to my friends who mostly fit the descriptions here. Both partners work, and they work really long hours at jobs that they don't really feel very proud of. They do it b/c they need the money. And for the most part these aren't high-spending, consumption-addicted people.
This book is about people who want to use their lives' work to do good and benefit society, but to do that means you will be sentenced to poverty. So people choose money over love (of their jobs), they work more than our parents did, and have less to show for it as housing costs go up - especially in cities.
Long sections detailing how the rollback of progressive taxation has caused big changes in society over the past 60 years, and along with other Republican policy changes has gutted the public sector of good people and effective social policy.
After reading this, you may want to grab Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America back off the shelf to look for a better way of life somewhere else.
This book is about people who want to use their lives' work to do good and benefit society, but to do that means you will be sentenced to poverty. So people choose money over love (of their jobs), they work more than our parents did, and have less to show for it as housing costs go up - especially in cities.
Long sections detailing how the rollback of progressive taxation has caused big changes in society over the past 60 years, and along with other Republican policy changes has gutted the public sector of good people and effective social policy.
After reading this, you may want to grab Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America back off the shelf to look for a better way of life somewhere else.
March 10, 2008
Though there's a certain amount of elitist whining in this book (an attitude of entitlement for the ability attend Ivy League colleges of your choice without going backrupt), he's an entertaining writer. Even more, he digs pointedly into the general uneasy sense that life has become a lot more expensive than people are admitting, and that this rise in expense is cutting down on the number of people willing to pursue careers like teaching and theatre that don't offer a payoff, and in fact are likely to lead you close to the poverty line. Heaven forbid you should want a family.
It's a quick read and worthwhile.
It's a quick read and worthwhile.
June 21, 2008
Ok, 5 stars might be a tad generous, but I really saw myself in this book and all of my friends who want to do right in the world but are already wondering how they are going to afford it. Daniel Brook offers an indictment of the inegalitarian American tax system that is hard to ignore--the concentration of wealth at the top is almost unparalleled, and our options for education, health care and housing are limited without deciding to go for the top-paying corporate jobs. The statistics he offers are simply breathtaking. So much for the American dream of having kids, a house, and a job you care about.
April 24, 2009
Brook's readable book attempts to answer many of the longterm questions I've had over the last decade: why are the brightest and most motivated young people going into finance and law instead of science or whatever their true passion is? why does the "creative class" work for corporations instead of fulfilling their own creative passions and goals? and what's going on with the middle-class retreat into domesticity?
It's a shame this book was not written in 1997 instead of 2007. The Trap is a must for anyone who wants to understand what decisions young people face and the socioeconomic pressures that shape those decisions.
It's a shame this book was not written in 1997 instead of 2007. The Trap is a must for anyone who wants to understand what decisions young people face and the socioeconomic pressures that shape those decisions.
April 29, 2013
Thoroughly depressing, which is why it gets three stars instead of four. The Trap is the way of the world today, or at least America. People want to fight social injustices, but they can't afford to, so they take jobs at corporations which perpetuate the social injustices in order to make money and have time on the side to fight the social injustices that they help perpetuate. That's if they can get a job at all.
The future seems bleak, especially since this book is already a half-decade old and any suggestions to break out of this cycle have been beaten down since then. I think it's back to fiction for me.
The future seems bleak, especially since this book is already a half-decade old and any suggestions to break out of this cycle have been beaten down since then. I think it's back to fiction for me.
May 20, 2008
Why America is not so equal anymore? Why is the middle class disappearing and why a college education is not a sure way to be able to do what you aspire to be in life, nor to be independent financially?
This book is really a discussion opener on the social and political levels. America is not what the founders set out build, the land of opportunity is now mostly reserved to the elite class. America is building a class system when other developped countries are successfully tearing theirs down. Where does that leave you and me?
This book is really a discussion opener on the social and political levels. America is not what the founders set out build, the land of opportunity is now mostly reserved to the elite class. America is building a class system when other developped countries are successfully tearing theirs down. Where does that leave you and me?
June 30, 2016
Probably one of the best Non Fiction books I have ever read. I cannot emphasise how important it is for people of my generation to read this book. We are being screwed over by the system we were born into and educating yourself is the only way to know your enemy! Very eye-opening, makes me feel a lot less shitty about the financial situation I find myself in despite going to a top university and investing myself into debt! Everyone should read this... and it makes me hate Reagan even more haha
July 30, 2008
Excellent summation of where myself and all my friends find ourselves, economically and culturally. Basically, the gist of this book is like, "See - all these shitty corporate jobs? It didn't used to be this way for people our age and it doesn't have to be this way." An inspiring read.
Want to read
April 24, 2010Recommended by Seth Godin in
Linchpin
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews