To Understand the US Economy, Just Board an Airplane

Getting on an airplane has become the perfect metaphor for life in America. On the one hand, flying has become cheaper and more accessible. On the other, it has become more stratified and stressful. Sure, everyone likes those $199 fares, but no one likes having to shuffle through the first-class cabin, where the amenities are right in your face, on their way to their middle seat in coach, where there is no room in the overhead bins.