The book is a collection of essays from the past four decades, with a focus on poverty, inequality, and the changing landscape of journalism. Ehrenreich's writing is characterized by a mix of dark wit and sincere activism, highlighting the absurdities of the neoliberal order.
Barbara Ehrenreich's 'Had I Known' is a collection of essays spanning four decades, primarily focusing on themes of poverty, inequality, and the evolving world of journalism. The essays, many of which will be familiar to readers of 'Nickel and Dimed,' delve into issues such as sexism, health, science, and religion. Ehrenreich's writing is marked by a blend of dark humor and genuine activism, often pointing out the absurdities of the neoliberal order. For instance, she critiques the irony of Silicon Valley promoting mindfulness apps while contributing to attention disorders. The collection also includes her reflections on the changing media landscape, where traditional journalism is giving way to online platforms that often do not pay well. Ehrenreich's earnestness is evident in her creation of a nonprofit organization to support journalists from marginalized backgrounds. Overall, the book offers a compelling mix of insightful analysis and witty commentary, making it a valuable read for those interested in social and economic issues.
Quick quotes
The number of established outlets was shrinking. News sites may have proliferated online, but they didn’t pay much, if at all.
The reigning neoliberal order, she argues, is not only harmful but absurd; just as some pharmaceutical companies profit from pesticides that arguably contribute to the cancers they offer to treat, Silicon Valley stokes attention disorders while piously peddling mindfulness apps.
Ehrenreich recalls how after 'Nickel and Dimed' was published in 2001, she was initiated into the rarefied world of ample royalties and lavish speaking fees.