列国鉴｜记者观察：细究美国“斩杀线”的三笔账

Core Viewpoint - The term "kill line," originating from the Chinese internet gaming community, has become a unique lens to observe the pressure on American livelihoods, indicating that once household income or savings fall below a certain threshold, families may struggle to return to their previous living standards [1] Historical Account: Deterioration of Government, Labor Movements, and Social Consensus - By 2025, middle-income families in the U.S. may face an annual net loss of approximately $2,250 in actual purchasing power due to the cumulative effects of various policies [2] - As of 2023, about one-third of the U.S. middle class cannot afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and childcare, with "middle class" defined as those earning between $30,000 and $153,000 annually [2] Reality Account: Three Layers of Squeeze - The wealth and cost "scissors gap" shows that by Q3 2025, the top 10% of U.S. households will hold over two-thirds of the nation's wealth, while the middle 40% will see their wealth share shrink from about 36% to less than 30% [7] - The "ALICE" families, defined as "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed," live on the edge of the "kill line," earning above the official poverty line but unable to cover essential expenses [9] - Economic pressures have created a "K-shaped" recovery, where middle-class dining establishments struggle while discount retailers thrive, driven by food inflation and increased use of short-term credit tools [10] Political Account: Fragmented Consensus and Blame Game - Many Americans believe that the cost of living is unbearable, yet responses from both major political parties highlight institutional challenges, with Democrats focusing on subsidies and Republicans attributing issues to government inefficiencies [15] - The federal structure exacerbates divisions, making nationwide solutions difficult and resulting in a fragmented social safety net [15] - The dismantling of institutional buffers has shifted risks directly onto individuals, making the restoration of these buffers a pressing political challenge in the U.S. [15]