How Fear Took Over the American Suburbs

The new book “Neighborhood of Fear” shows the rise of suburban vigilantes and NIMBYs in the late part of the 20th century. Author Kyle Riismandel explains how those groups still wield power today.

——

Over those three decades, cultural and political phenomena served to make suburbanites feel less like they were living in a bucolic paradise, and more like in a land constantly under assault — with threats ranging from toxic waste and cancerous household products; to burglaries and kidnappings; to satanic cults and explicit music. Riismandel traces the reaction to these perceived threats...

How Fear Took Over the American Suburbs

The new book “Neighborhood of Fear” shows the rise of suburban vigilantes and NIMBYs in the late part of the 20th century. Author Kyle Riismandel explains how those groups still wield power today.

——

Over those three decades, cultural and political phenomena served to make suburbanites feel less like they were living in a bucolic paradise, and more like in a land constantly under assault — with threats ranging from toxic waste and cancerous household products; to burglaries and kidnappings; to satanic cults and explicit music. Riismandel traces the reaction to these perceived threats...