A few years ago, we reviewed a terrific documentary, “Independent America,” about independent businesses fighting back against corporations.
The film included scenes on Route 66 in Seligman, Ariz., and Hackberry, Ariz.
A leaner version of the film now can be watched on Hulu:
https://www.hulu.com/watch/105821/independent-america
This film is recommended viewing for all roadies.
Awesome concept! Sometimes I wonder if it’s already too late though? We keep fighting to maintain what’s left of “Independent America” and at least a foot hold, but there’s not much left and they keep taking another bite out of us somewhere! Just look at those maps, what’s left of us, and it has already changed again since the video was made… There’s not much time left folks, you better go visit “Independent America” while there’s still some left!
Amen!
When the movie was first released, I made a mental note to watch it someday. It seems that note got erased somewhere along the line. Thanks for reminding me that it existed (and thanks to Hulu and whoever else took the steps that allowed me to watch it free). “Recommended viewing…” is right on. While at Hulu, I watched the follow on “Independent America: Rising from Ruins” (about New Orleans & Katrina) and recommend it, too.
RT: There are tons of indie businesses still left, and while it’s frustrating to see some of them vanish, I can feel the momentum slowly shifting away from the big boxes and back toward the little guys. It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t happen if people wait for “someday” to start supporting small businesses, but it is happening now, and I don’t see it stopping. People are fed up with the increasingly lousy service and ever-lengthening lines at chain stores. (The lines aren’t growing because there are more customers, BTW. They’re growing because the chains are cutting corners and understaffing their checkout lanes — or resorting to those godforsaken self-check stations.) They’re starting to listen when I talk about getting in and out of the hardware store in under 15 minutes, with exactly what I need, in exactly the right quantity. They’re starting to listen when I say that I can do all my Christmas shopping on Black Friday without ever standing in line, fighting over a doorbuster special, or battling mall traffic to get unique presents for my family and friends. The appeal of indie business is starting to sink in.