Van Life & the Housing Crisis | Internet Analysis
Van Life & the Housing Crisis | Internet Analysis
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#internetanalysis #VanLife
SMALL CHANNEL SHOUT OUT:
Bryony Claire! – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUA99fY1YylIrjeL9IH9SaA
SOURCES AND REFERENCES:
diversify.vanlife – https://diversifyvanlife.com/
& https://www.instagram.com/diversify.vanlife/?hl=en
Roma people: 10 ways Europe’s biggest minority faces discrimination – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-roma-rights/roma-people-10-ways-europes-biggest-minority-faces-discrimination-idUSKCN1RK01Y
Discrimination against Roma traced back to Middle Ages – https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/discrimination-against-roma-traced-back-to-middle-ages-1.1575257
Why Do the Roma Wander? – https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2010/08/why-do-the-roma-wander.html
Idealized “van life” obscures real poverty – https://www.theolafmessenger.com/2016/idealized-van-life-obscures-real-poverty/
Nomadland Is a Real Human Story That’s Not Over Yet – https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a35538486/nomadland-fern-true-story-jessica-bruder-linda-bob-swankie-now/
How Much Does Vanlife Cost? (Parked in Paradise) – https://www.parkedinparadise.com/van-life-cost/
How much does van life cost? A breakdown of common expenses (Barefoot Theory) – https://bearfoottheory.com/van-life-cost/
Apartment List National Rent Report – https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data
the after(van)life – https://kitcarm.medium.com/the-after-van-life-6b6340d7d55c
Escape to Bro-topia – https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/style/escape-to-bro-topia.html
1 in 4 Americans have no retirement savings – https://www.yahoo.com/now/retirement-savings-us-193226292.html
State of Homelessness: 2021 Edition – https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness-2021/
HUD Releases 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Part 1 – https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_21_041
Lack of Housing and Mental Health Disabilities Exacerbate One Another – https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/poverty/news/2018/11/20/461294/lack-housing-mental-health-disabilities-exacerbate-one-another/
Without Bound, Perspectives on Mobile Living (documentary) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg37Cbx-kak
How Veterans of Vanlife Feel About All the Newbies – https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/us/living-in-a-van-coronavirus-pandemic.html
Ruling helps protect homeless people from having cars towed – https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/ruling-helps-protect-homeless-people-cars-towed-79431656
A History of Roma and Travellers – https://www.historytoday.com/reviews/history-gypsies-roma-and-travellers
How Socialists Solved the Housing Crisis (Gravel Institute) – https://youtu.be/LVuCZMLeWko
The Meaning of Vanlife (documentary) – https://youtu.be/t8dN4jP3OZQ
time stamps:
0:00 – intro
3:04 – shout out to sponsor
4:08 – historically nomadic groups such as the Romani
6:00 – what’s cute and trendy if you’re rich, but stigmatized if you’re poor?
8:45 – the realities of van life
9:40 – Nomadland
11:04 – the cost of van life
14:30 – what kind of jobs do van-lifers have?
15:47 – homelessness and the housing crisis
19:16 – structural BS
20:32 – criminalizing homelessness
22:51 – final thoughts?
23:50 – is van life really a rejection of capitalism & modern living?
27:39 – small channel shout out to Bryony Claire!
28:48 – thank u Patrons!
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Tiffany Ferguson (she/her), 25 years old, currently in NYC. Here on Tiffanyferg, my main series is called Internet Analysis, where I research and discuss topics related to social issues and media.
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The take that vanlifers wouldn’t call themselves homeless just because they don’t want to be associated with that word is a bit simplistic though, isn’t it? Because wouldn’t it be pretty disingenuous to claim that when you have chosen that way of life? Wouldn’t people be pretty quick to call you out as a liar or faking for sympathy points etc?
Historical racists: "G_ddamn [Roma slur], we don’t want your kind around here!"
Also historical racists: _murders their means of conveyance_
Roma: *visible confusion*
Gipsy comes from Egyptian, because people zod that they came from Egypt
Love the small channel shoutouts! Will def check out Bryonie Clark!
Not all Romani consider "the G word" to be pejorative or something to be ashamed of. Tyson Fury, the Heavyweight boxing champion of the world, proudly calls himself "The Gypsy King." My Irish college roommate and rugby team mate insisted that we call him "Gypsy"- but maybe that’s because his first name was "Bartley." 🙂
I once considered the value of living in a vehicle, but I couldn’t afford a car in the first place (and, ha ha, don’t drive due to anxiety).
Loved this video
I feel like it would be dangerous to live this way. I have a young niece in her 20s who wants to do this. As much as I understand her desire to do it, I fear for her to do something like this on her own.
I fail to see why the whining about how people choose to live.There’s plenty of videos talking about the good the good,the bad,and the ugly of the lifestyle.And what do it have to do with the issue of homelessness?
You talk about people feeling unsafe. But you left out a pretty large group (straight white men). As a SWM I can speak on it. If I go anywhere close to a college campus, the state of Illinois/ Alabama/California or Maryland(DC), I feel very unsafe, plus the normal places dark forrest, walmart parking lot (overnight) or street parking (overnight). My point is, by saying these other group should be afraid, but leaving out SWM.
1.Who are you saying they should be scared of?
2. Why do you think SWM are not at risk? when statistics say they are the 2nd most likely to be attack, behind Straight White Women.
I have no knowledge about these topics, but how is this different from ppl living on boats? I am only referring to ppl who choose to live in something other that a house. Again I don’t know shit about these topics 😅✌🏽
Legally homeless.. and yes. People are so pretentious to me, thinking I’m actually secretly rich, and it makes me feel separate from everyone else, more than I already did.
I may just be a little high, but can someone give me a hint as to what the “G” word is. I think I have an idea but I’m not sure lol
Van life is the western version of cage people of Hong Kong for rich people.
you are getting there, still a bit stupid but close
Happy Birthday Tiffany Wish you t he best!!!!
This was wonderfully intersectional and i ak happy to his that sub button
What’s different between wealthy ppl that choose to do something or live in a specific way and the ppl that are living in a similar way bc they don’t have any other options?
Everything! Everything is different between those that choose to live a specific way and those that are forced to live in a similar way bc they have to.
HOMELESS and HOUSELESS are 2 very different lifestyles and communities regardless of the big similarities which is not living in a “traditional” house, apartment, etc
The differences between van life and homelessness was a big deal a few months back with the creepshow art situation, aka she claimed to be homeless it was a big deal in her channel when a lot of things came out about her turns out her then boyfriend now assumed husband and her chose van life
"Young, straight passing white couples" sounds like more it the same bullshit propaganda you hear out of the mouths of assholes everywhere lately…
A minor clarification, the "g‐word" isn’t universally considered a slur by romani people, and in many places, especially in Ireland and the UK, it is both a self‐identifier regularly used among travelling communities and the official legal term for that ethnicity (similar to Irish Traveller as an ethnic grouping). Roma people in the US and Canada have overwhelmingly disassociated themselves from the term, and given your audience it’s probably still best you don’t say it, but it’s also pretty offensive for white people to unequivocally announce that a legitimate ethnicity is a slur like that when it’s far from a settled matter among the people who actually identify with it
Definitely one of your best videos!
I’d do this but I have chronic sickness and need medication also love having dental work
I know all your college essays were 100’s
America laws are so harass to their homeless where do they want them to go
Well damn. If it wasn’t already obvious to me that I won’t ever be able to afford/do van life, this video brought a lot of things to light for me and I don’t feel as comfortable as I once did.
I am so happy I found your channel today🙌🏾. and totally agree with what you said about what looks good when you are rich and what looks “bad” when you ate poor
Oh God you are a liberal white liberal woman a gypsy Jesus Christ
As someone of Gypsy decent, you are what is wrong with the world. Stop virtue-signaling and listen to the voice in your head about what to do with yourself.
Many low income people work, but can’t afford rent, so it now makes sense to live in a vehicle.
Those who can’t afford to rent without having roommates are choosing van life because It’s much less depressing than living with roomates you barely know or don’t want to know. Sharing apartments starts to feel like you are living in some kind of "group home" or homeless shelter. There is often drama, and that is usually the final straw. Van life is peaceful. If you can’t afford your own place, a van and a gym membership is a good option. Plus, you get to travel to places with a warm climate every winter. #Snowbird
Watching this from my van 😅
Lol gypsy is NOT a sler. I would know im a gypsy! Is this another thing white ppl do to act above everyone?
you are so on point as a researcher and communicator, great work!
I honestly feel bad posting a video about van life right now, in light of Gabby Petito’s disappearance — this topic and posting date were approved by my sponsor over a month ago, I’ve been writing it for weeks, and today’s my deadline. If I had any more wiggle room I would have waited longer to post this, but unfortunately I can’t. Hope you all understand ❤️
i moved back in with my parents but if i didn’t have them honestly idk what i would have done. might have ended up in my car as well
The US always amazes me. In Poland, we have public housing for people who can’t afford "normal" rent. You can get an apartment to live in for a very low cost or for free (and just paying the bills). And these apartments are located in normal apartment buildings, so they’re not stigmatized at all. For example, me and my husband own an apartment in a building where 35% of apartments are for public housing. So people who have less money just live like normal citizens.
I was thinking about it now that my kids are 17 and 18 and I’m 36 so I was like hey why not! Then I remembered I was poor lol
I don’t want to be rude I’m sorry for the petito family but she was revealed as not great. Her and her boyfriend were beating on each other and being extremely messy and toxic. It’s horrible the boyfriend snapped but.. she’s not innocent. It’s not okay for anyone to put their hands on another person EVEN WOMEN.
I used to live in an RV and it was the worst time in my life. It sounds like it’ll be fun, but eventually you just feel trapped in a small space when you go back to your RV/van. I think it’s great to do for a period of time, not long term. But maybe others are different
Front wheel drives are JUNK, and expensive. That’s the only gem, i will share.
The more ideas you share, the more the corporations and government takes those freedoms. So I share nothing about how to get along with Van Life.
I will tell you front wheel drives are cheap to buy, BUT, when that transmission goes, it’s a very very expensive repair
How is Gypsy a slur?
Don’t know if this has been shared already but this song is amazing and echo’s a lot of your points
https://youtu.be/naCNIB6jNtE
If I chose to live in a van I also wouldn’t call myself homeless because I wouldn’t feel homeless. To me, home is not a permanent address, it’s where I consciously decide to live and where I keep all my stuff (bonus points if I put a lot of effort into building and decorating it). If that place happens to be a van, then the van is my home and I’m not homeless until it gets towed.
you should make a video on how people start making spirituality, healing crystals and witchcraft as an aesthetic with out knowing the cultures where they are from
Damn, this was well covered and deep. Great job!!! Really made me THINK!!
I think this video misses the mark somewhat. Instead of demonizing mellinnials and zennials for trying to glamorize vanlife in order to not feel so bad about not being able to afford an actual home, how about we dive into the economic reasons behind it. Because I suspect that this and the glamorization of tiny homes would not be a thing to the degree they are if people our age could actually afford a home the way their parents and grandparents were able to. In a lot of places now even renting is becoming difficult, which is what pushes people into couchsurfing or living in their vehicles, and if they try to make themselves feel better about it and make a home out of their van, that’s not the actual problem, the actual problem is housing unaffordability and the way governments center portions of the economy around ever-inflating house prices. Sure, people like this have more privilege than unhoused people who don’t have a choice at all, but still not enough privilege to actually be able to save up for a deposit and afford a mortgage. Deposits for the most basic types of housing start at $70,000 here in Australia if you want to live anywhere in the city and not in the bush where job prospects and infrastructure are very limited, and that’s not applicable to Sydney where the dingiest places start at $1 million. Rental properties are becoming scarce as well, which drives rent up, and with rent going up entire families are pushed into houselessness and nomadic lifestyle, and while they might be able to afford a van (a privilege unhoused people don’t have), they still can’t afford an actual home. People love to jump at influencers’ throats for glamorizing this or that lifestyle, but people wouldn’t be lapping this content up if they had other options.
This also parallels the immigrant vs ex-pat narrative. Your commentaries have always been on point about the dichotomy of the wealthy and the privileged living a "poor person" experience. This to me is another one of them, and I welcome your thoughts on it. I am Chinese and I moved to the US when I was 9. My family comes from a high socioeconomic bracket and both of my parents speak fluent English and have graduate degrees from UK universities. Our experience in moving to a new country does not fit the narrative of a "scrappy immigrant who didn’t speak English with only $5 in their pocket and lived the American dream". Although we have not encountered outright hostility, there is always a microaggressive attitude of "life must be so much better once you escaped China" or "now that you had seen how democracy works, you can bring it back to your country and make things better." I am the first to admit that China is not perfect and there are many issues and challenges, but I cannot stop feeling that those comments are incredibly racist.
I moved to China in my early 20s after I graduated from university to work. I’ve countered many "ex-pats", who are usually from a wealthy English-speaking country, with the majority of them are white, although there are significant numbers of BIPOC white people who make up the significant percentage. The vast majority of them teach English, despite not having a teaching qualification and get paid 4 times the salary in comparison to local teachers, many of whom have master’s degrees; some work in businesses that interact with other countries, and some start their own businesses. I can go on and on about the English-speaking and white privilege in ex-pat communities in China. However, the striking thing I noticed that nobody call themselves an immigrant, despite a significant number of them married local people, had Children in China, and lived there for a decade or more, and do not plan to move back to their home country, also many of them even after living a country for a decade or more, cannot speak Chinese well or some even at all. It was always bizarre to me that how someone from a "wealthier" country does not call themselves an immigrant despite carrying many of the characteristics of the stereotypical notion of immigrants. A similar thing happens in Korea and Japan as well, and I don’t know if this is a typical East Asian country phenomenon or is similar in other countries with significant ex-pat populations.
I loved that you used the Romani people’s experience in highlighting that mobile living has been around for thousands of years, and Romani people are among the most discriminated group in the world. That’s a similar thing I see with immigrants as well, when it is done by people of colour, it is immigration, but when it is by people from wealthy countries, they are ex-pats.
How is Australia a western country?!
Hi economist here- to say the US has a lack of social safety nets is not true. As an immigrant, it’s privileged people who say this. Yes the US should have universal hc for all. However, the US provides universal healthcare for the poor and old, social security, unemployment, subsidized mortgages for minorities, food stamps, section 8 housing, welfare payments, free k-12 education, subsidized community college education and much more. The housing crisis can be attributed to city councils who aggressively zone. Where is housing cheapest? Texas where there is very little zoning. Every time money is given to the solve homelessness in cities like Seattle and SF, they completely squander the money. I did my dissertation on homelessness in cities like Seattle and San Francisco. After surveying hundreds of people, 99% of the homeless in Seattle and San Francisco are drug addicts, about 1% solely have a mental illness. (I’m not referencing people who live in their cars.) Because these cities have decriminalized almost all drug crime they are now havens for drug dealers and drug addicts. So, they’re coming in from other states which really increases the homelessness rates in those cities in particular. There can’t be two or three cities that decriminalize drugs, it’s either all or nothing, either the whole country has to decriminalize or not. Drug addicts should not go to jail, but they should be forced into rehab and be given recovery resources. “Capitalism leads to the homelessness crisis” huh? How was that conclusion arrived at? The majority of people who keep saying this kind of stuff are uneducated on the subject and seem to get the majority of their info from ig slides that tout opinions as facts. It’s really the left-leaning city councils who are responsible for the housing crisis in large cities. They are the ones who run the cities and who create the housing and zoning laws. Also, you heavily judge capitalism yet how do you think these social programs are paid for? They’re paid for through taxation which results from the free market. Even the Scandinavian countries practice capitalism and have a free market. A free market is essential to any high functioning society.
Happy 26th birthday on 5 October