Since Trump’s second presidential term began just a week ago, a whirlwind of astonishing political and natural events has shaken the world. From the U.S. exiting global agreements like the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords to the abrupt dismissals of inspector generals under the cover of night, and the pardons granted to January 6 rioters, the turbulent landscape grows ever more precarious. These events, coupled with nighttime raids on nightclubs and homes for immigrants across various cities and the devastating wildfires engulfing parts of Los Angeles, instill a pervasive sense of insecurity that has become our new reality.
I dub this era “terra infirma,” an inversion of “terra firma,” which denotes solid ground. The ground beneath our feet is in constant flux, leaving us struggling to maintain our balance amid the relentless instability. As the director of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, I find myself contemplating how this unceasing uncertainty redefines inequality in our society. It extends beyond the gaping chasm between the privileged “haves” and the marginalized “have-nots,” affecting nearly everyone except the affluent who can weather each new storm with ease.
Insecurity manifests in various forms beyond mere financial instability. Scholars have identified an array of uncertainties, including political unrest and niche categories like “transportation insecurity” and “informational insecurity.” Politicians exploit these insecurities, stoking fears of job loss due to immigrants or the impact of tariffs to manipulate voter sentiments. Paradoxically, they position themselves as the voice of reason amidst the chaos they create.
Moreover, insecurity has emerged as a barometer for assessing societal well-being, as highlighted by groups like the National True Cost of Living Coalition advocating for a reevaluation of Americans’ financial health. Scholars like economist Nicholas Bloom emphasize the disruptive impact of “uncertainty shocks” from pivotal political events, underscoring the need to navigate this new age of uncertainty.
In this era of “terra infirma,” a degree of anxiety stemming from insecurity is not a personal failing but a rational response to external circumstances. It transcends traditional views of insecurity as a psychological defect, intertwining with socio-economic conditions to shape individuals’ experiences. The precariousness exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s aftermath has underscored the urgency of addressing economic insecurity across all strata of society, not just the marginalized.
The precariousness pervades every aspect of our lives, particularly in the realm of healthcare. The broken and inequitable healthcare system leaves Americans grappling with uncertainties over treatment accessibility and affordability, impeding their ability to secure adequate care. Amidst these challenges, fostering a sense of community solidarity can offer a semblance of solace in tumultuous times.
To dismantle the systemic foundations of insecurity, collaborative efforts to reform existing institutions are imperative. Proposals such as alternative financial mechanisms like public banking and enhanced regulation of health insurance and banking practices are essential to mitigate insecurity’s pervasive impact. Electing officials who prioritize addressing societal insecurities is pivotal in effecting meaningful change.
We must collectively acknowledge our shared vulnerability on “terra infirma” and confront the deliberate exploitation of uncertainty by those in power. By fostering a deeper understanding of how insecurity permeates our lives, we can chart a path towards a more stable and equitable future for all.
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