Route 66 at 100: A Road Trip Through America's Contradictions
A travelogue marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the iconic highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. The author begins in Chicago on a Saturday morning, coinciding with Donald Trump's 79th birthday, observing his 423-meter tower while thousands of protesters chant 'This is what democracy sounds like.' The piece reflects on the difficulty of loving America amid current politics, suggesting a cross-country drive on Route 66 as a remedy. The journey serves as a meditation on American identity, democracy, and the enduring allure of the open road.
Key facts
- Route 66 turns 100 years old.
- The highway runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.
- The author starts the trip in Chicago.
- The date is Donald Trump's 79th birthday.
- Trump's Chicago tower is 423 meters high.
- Protesters chant 'This is what democracy sounds like.'
- The article is published by Süddeutsche Zeitung.
- The trip is framed as a way to love America despite current difficulties.
Entities
Institutions
- Süddeutsche Zeitung
Locations
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- United States