I’m currently reading Doom Loop, a book by Eswar Prasad, Tolani Senior Professor of Trade Policy and Professor of Economics at Cornell University, explaining why “globalism”, which only a short 25 years ago promised a world of unprecedented global progress and prosperity, has created its opposite, “anti-globalism”, a world of suspicion, oppression, and fear. So far, the good professor has largely impressed me, despite what I would describe as a mild case of knee-jerk obeisance to the reigning academic cliches regarding the dangers of global warming, which, to my mind, are “serious” rather than “cataclysmic.” I was, however, more than a bit taken aback by Dr. Prasad’s discussion of “purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates”, saying that they are significant not only across countries but within them:
An inhabitant of rural North Dakota with an annual income of $50,000 would live a much larger life than an inhabitant of New York City with twice or even three times that income, especially given the differences between the two areas in housing costs but also in the prices of haircuts and other services.
Uh, really? Unless Dr. Prasad’s definition of “living large” consists entirely of having a big house and cheap haircuts, his “example” is utterly ridiculous. Here’s a news flash, doc: It’s impossible to “live large” in rural North Dakota! That’s why no one fucking lives there! Here is a list of “things to do” in Gackle, North Dakota, population 280, located in picturesque Logan County, in, yes, southern North Dakota, often cited as the least visited county in the United States (the lower 48, I’m guessing). Among the highlights: bingo night at the Veterans Club (Wednesday only)! The world’s largest buffalo statue in nearby (pretty much) Jamestown! Sabir’s Dining and Lounge in nearby (pretty much) Valley City! Serving (wait for it) “several (several!) Italian entrees!
I could go on, but, frankly, that’s pretty much it for Gackle. Now, if Doc Prasad’s definition of “living large” includes cross-country skiing in sub-zero weather, or snowshoe hiking in sub-zero weather, or snowmobiling in, you know, sub-zero weather, Gackle may well be the place for him. But if he’s into, I don’t know, world-class architecture, or world-class art, or world-class music, or world-class theater, or even, you know, swimming in the ocean, he may prefer roughing it in the Big Apple. And if you shave your head and grow a beard, you look like a badass (always an advantage in NY, NY) and your “haircuts” are free!
