American Homecoming — Reverse Culture Shock and the Race to Survive

The story of greatness is not always told by the builders, but by those who took what others built. It is a history where empires crumbled under foreign boots, their treasures hauled away in pickup trucks like the one I drove from L.A. to Savannah. I imagine people sitting atop riches, declaring themselves masters of the universe, and teaching their children that merit, not conquest, brought them to where they are today. This narrative, repeated across generations, is a kind of myth—a myth that Western wealth and development are the natural result of inherent superiority. The truth is that much of what is celebrated as Western advancement was built on the backs of others: from the gold and labor extracted from the Americas and Africa to the philosophies and inventions stolen from civilizations (and individuals) deemed "lesser" in kind. Consider our story. No group has endured more systematic deprivation, sabotage, and oppression than African Americans. Torn from our homeland...

Here in the American South, I've savored exceptional some meals at more than a handful of celebrated establishments. These restaurants have staying power: steady clientele, predictable hours, consistent quality. As a former restaurant owner, I value knowing the doors will be open and the experience will meet my expectations—every time. Yet I've witnessed another story, too. Many startups burst onto the scene with extraordinary food. Local headlines trumpet “Willie’s Bar-B-Q,” with lines snaking around the block and five-star reviews flooding in. Sadly, these spots are too often undercapitalized, understaffed, and tragically disorganized. Eighteen months later, boarded windows and silence are all that's left on the menu. Although Willie mastered the grill, he knew nothing about ledgers. He left that to his wife, Mable, who, despite her inexperience, tracked the receipts like a champion. Sadly, when their marriage crumbled, so did the business. In Michael Gerber’s acclaimed b...