“Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, & the Quest for Democracy” with Charles Derber

Coming From Left Field (Audio)

113-“Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, & the Quest for Democracy” with Charles Derber

In this episode, we dive deep into America's social crisis with sociologist Charlie Derber, author of “Bonfire of America: Sociocide, Broken Relationships, and the Quest for Democracy.” Derber explores the concept of "sociocide"—the systemic unraveling of societal bonds—arguing that hyper-individualism, neoliberal economics, and political polarization have eroded trust, community, and collective identity. The discussion traces how Reagan-era policies, Silicon Valley's disruption, and the Democratic Party's abandonment of class solidarity have fueled Trumpism as a symptom, not an anomaly. While bleak, Derber highlights grassroots resistance as a path forward, warning against nostalgia for a pre-Trump "normal" that never addressed inequality. A provocative mix of history, sociology, and urgent political critique that concludes with a tone of hope for a better future.

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