We need to talk about America. The nation is about to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the start of its shotgun rise to becoming the leader of the Western world.
But all is not well. The USA is more politically and economically divided than it’s been for decades at home and is wreaking havoc abroad. Is this the beginning of the end for one of the most consequential world powers ever or a Trump-shaped teenage tantrum?
Ahead of the anniversary, Big Issue spoke to 25 Americans to get their views on what’s made the nation so successful, the big issues affecting them, and whether they’re optimistic for the next 250 years.
What else is in this week’s Big Issue?
Big Issue is taking a stand on poor conditions in temporary accommodation
More than 134,000 households are currently living in temporary accommodation in England, including a staggering 176,130 children. It is a record-breaking figure which is devastating in itself, but it becomes more so when you consider the conditions that some of these families are living in. In a new series, Big Issue is taking a stand.
Jinx Monsoon on comedy and billionaires
Jinx Monsoon is a seasoned comedian, singer and actress who’s become a Broadway mainstay. The sales pitch for her 11-date UK tour, which begins in Brighton on 3 July, promises she’ll “give audiences the inside scoop on being a permastoned trans drag queen from America in 2026”. We chat to her for this week’s Big Issue.”
Celebrating our Changemakers
This month, we held the first Changemakers Celebration event at EartH Hackney, East London. Our sponsor was Wates, who share our belief that businesses have a responsibility to do more than make a profit. We were delighted that dozens of winners joined us for a brilliant day.
