Spring 2015

American Fissures

Tocqueville wrote that the "greatness of America lies… in her ability to repair her faults." With a renewed national discussion on the faultlines of race, class, identity, and culture, we look inward. How do we assess the state of life in America?

in this issue:

Secondhand Stories in a Rusting Steel City

– Robyn K. Coggins

“Take what’s in front of you, not what it was or could be. And do what you can with it.”

Tony Burns's long way home

– Josh Kramer

Up close and personal with a man who embodies America's latest strategy for fighting homelessness.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Selma

– Rebecca White

In Selma, there's a tangible sense of regret at how little the 50th anniversary celebrations had to do with the people who actually live there.

GDP growth is strong. That doesn’t mean inequality is going anywhere.

– Alfred Lee

Growth in GDP hasn’t done much for the average American in decades, but it can provide some political cover to narrow the wealth gap: We can afford it now.

Science, Meet Journalism. You Two Should Talk.

– Louise Lief

Science and the media need each other. They just don't know it yet.

A Great War Among the Brothers of This Earth

– Garrett McGrath

With the murder of Malcolm X, the Selma-to-Montgomery march, and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, 1965 was a pivotal year in American history. What lessons does it hold for America in 2015?