Extending a definitely valid rule. I’m not convinced the extension is valid, but want to write it down for later examination.
Definitely valid: When you have real experience, whether it’s a job or jury or prison, you can instantly spot an “expert” or “journalist” who hasn’t been through it. Every real experience has non-verbal cultural factors that can’t be acquired through books or Google.
Maybe not quite valid: The same rule also applies to neighborhoods. When a “journalist” or other writer trusts official data and says inflation is dropping or homelessness isn’t a problem or crime is down, you know for sure that he lives in a privileged suburb or gated HOA. Anyone who lives in a real neighborhood sees inflation and homelessness and crime right here and right now, every day in every way.
Polistra's Mill 