
The War on Normal People: Andrew Yang's book

Although from the title we might think it's science fiction, it's not. Andrew Yang's book touches on a hot, current and real issue such as the few job opportunities that a sector of the American population has. In the book, Yang points out that many of the booming employment sectors are concentrated in a few key regions. This means that the best qualified college graduates generally choose a career in one of six sectors and one of six locations: finance, consulting, law, technology, medicine or academia in New York, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington, DC.

The result of this has been a growing stratification of American society. Yang says that the best qualified people leave their places of origin to pursue a career in one of the sectors mentioned above, while those who stay behind are generally forced into much less attractive sectors, such as retail, transportation and manufacturing. This has led to the creation of completely different climates. People in the right sectors and regions experience a climate of abundance, and people in the wrong sectors and regions experience a climate of scarcity. Income inequality has increased to historical levels.

In the book, Andrew Yang points out that blacks and Hispanics earn much less on average than whites and Asians, and have significantly less wealth. Similarly, he mentions that women have lower average incomes and wealth than men, but also describes how more and more men are becoming separated from the education system and the labor market.
In the book, Andrew Yang not only discusses the problem, but also proposes three solutions. First, a RBU of $1,000 per month for each United States citizen, paid by a 10 per cent value-added tax on all goods and services. Secondly, a new secondary economy based on time rather than money. Thirdly, a tougher and more vigilant government.

Since it's Christmas time, Andrew Yang's book could be a good gift. Reading this book will not only allow us to know about this visionary man, but also to face a truth that is stifling the hopes of normal people: automated work and the few chances of success in the face of so much competition.