This chapter studies the nature of boom and bust economies and how rural people survive economic crisis. In addition, it looks at how rebellious groups have tried to create temporary utopias that counteract the capitalist system — and the backlash and fear directed at those who are unwilling to conform. (more…)
This chapter focuses on survivalist instincts that arise within rural poverty. Sometimes the education that is most vital does not come from school or books, but in the knowledge of nature and how to use it. This chapter describes the process of adapting to natural hardships in remote locations, as well as learning new skills such as pumping water so that I could construct a garden out of piles of trash. (more…)
This chapter looks at the concept of “Trailer Trash”, the history of motor vehicle homes, and the phenomenon of American ghost towns. How did this form of affordable housing lead to such negative stereotypes? Why did so many towns in the West go bankrupt and shut down? In quest for an answer, I physically move to several ghosts towns before settling down in an isolated Wyoming countryside. (more…)
This chapter is about is about working a summer job in Wyoming. In a town that was saturated with wealth, few employees could afford housing in minimum wage. Therefore, I lived in a bunkhouse while saving money. In this environment, I seriously thought about attending university and accepted the risk of student loans. (more…)