The Other America

First edition
(publ. Macmillan Publishers)

The Other America (ISBN 0-684-82678-X) is Michael Harrington's best known and likely most influential book. He was an American democratic socialist, writer, political activist, political theorist, professor of political science, radio commentator, and founding member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He believed that American Socialists could support certain Democratic Party candidates, including candidates for President.

Synopsis

The book was a study of poverty in the United States, published in 1962 by Macmillan. It found a small but emerging audience in an America that was developing a greater self-awareness after the struggles of World War II and the Korean War. Dwight D. Eisenhower's two terms as President from 1952 to 1960 had temporarily upended the New Deal Coalition, begun by Franklin Roosevelt, which was revived, at least in spirit, by the election of John Kennedy, in 1960.

Reception

A widely read review, "Our Invisible Poor," in The New Yorker by Dwight Macdonald brought the book to the attention of President Kennedy. The Other America argued that up to 25% of the nation was living in poverty. Many (such as historian Maurice Isserman) believe that the book is responsible for President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty." The Penguin Books paperback editions have sold over one million copies. The Boston Globe editorialized that Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and expanded Social Security benefits were traceable to Harrington's ideas.

With the book's acceptance, many believe Harrington became the main spokesman for democratic socialism in America. By 1980, Harrington considered a run for President himself, but he threw his support to Democratic candidates instead.

Documentary film

The 1999 documentary film Michael Harrington and Today's Other America: Corporate Power and Inequality captured the essence of Harrington’s ideas through the use of archival footage and interviews with his colleagues and opponents. Over thirty interviews were filmed, including:

• John Kenneth Galbraith
• Gloria Steinem
• William F. Buckley
• Charles Murray
• as well as ordinary people who struggle to make a living, or are dependent on social services.

The documentary included a brief history of socialism in America, and raised questions concerning

• the merits and relevance of unions today
• the problems of migrant workers, farmers, and big business
• and the American health care system.

See also

• Two Americas
• Socialism for the rich and capitalism for the poor