Deconstructs the household ledger to analyze how asset composition and debt bifurcation—specifically the "Vehicle Trap" and "Student Debt Anchor"—enforce stagnation for the bottom 80% while accelerating the top 20%.

Infographic:

The Mechanics of Stagnation
Summary: Uses industrial metaphors (engines and rockets) to explain why the wealth engine is broken for most Americans.
 The Gravity Trap (Bottom 80%): Anchored by depreciating assets. 91% of poor White wealth and 92% of Black working-class wealth is trapped in vehicle equity.
 The Hollow Middle: A crisis of liquidity. Middle-class Black households hold a median of only $200 in liquid savings, versus $25,000 for White households.
 Escape Velocity (Top 20%): Propelled by appreciating assets. 37% of wealthy White net worth comes from financial assets (stocks/bonds).