Suburban America: Problems & Promise

Ron Rudaitis's public-television-aired documentary focuses on the history of U.S. suburbia, from its genesis in the late 19th century through the present, detailing the attendant social and economic changes. Assorted policy experts provide insight while narration plays over the historic and contemporary footage showing the evolving landscape, including the post–World War II boom fueled by federal government loan programs for returning veterans (uglier aspects of the era are also touched upon, including real estate covenants that restricted many neighborhoods to white Christian families). Issues such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, community revitalization, and environmental concerns are covered, with highlights of some of the best practices. The film also shows how the suburbs have developed considerable political clout, as exemplified by their influence in recent presidential elections and their overrepresentation in Congress. Currently, half of the U.S. populace resides in the “gray areas” between urban and rural, and the shifting demographics are illustrated with visits to Muslim-American, Latino, and Asian-American communities. From an economic standpoint, the recession's toll on suburbanites is measured by the proliferation of “for sale” signs outside once-coveted homes. Providing interesting insights into an important aspect of America's post-WWII development, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall)