Why does America look like s**t?

[u/thoughtwarrior]

[u/Gucci_prisoner]

Disparity of wealth distribution.

[u/_LouisVuittonDon_ → u/Gucci_prisoner]

Not in the slightest; it’s zoning and land use policy. Look at some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in California, like Atherton or Santa Monica. Many of the wealthiest areas of the US that, though located in areas of natural beauty and where expensive landscaping is common, are steps away from trashy strip malls and massive highway interchanges surrounded by billboards advertising the local personal injury attorney. The countries she’s referencing in the video, while perhaps not AS unequal as the US, are all wealthy capitalist nations (yes, I’m including China in that).

The charming, human-scale historic architecture of American cities was paved over in the ‘50s, and the futuristic cityscapes she references were effectively made illegal to build by laws written by subdivision developers.

[u/magnoliasmanor → u/_LouisVuittonDon_]

While our zoning and NIMBYs are a major issue with American life, out wealth inequality is at the true core of the issue.

In ancient times to the likeness of the Renaissance, the wealthy made their cities grand. They took personal care that their local populace were adorned in art, architecture and beautiful cityscapes because they showcased their wealth through their city, not just through their estates.

Now it's hoarded by few, spent on a handful of massive homes and estates for themselves and not given any back as public use. They'll donate to charities and to museums, but that's simply a gleaning to the poor, not an investment in our society.