Are We Moving Toward ‘Two Indianas?’

A book by an Indiana University professor suggests the state's history of avoiding radical change may not be working well for Hoosier communities in modern times. In his book “Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana,” Jim Madison says local, state and industry leaders need to focus on the question of the state becoming “two Indianas;” one prosperous and one struggling. He says some pockets of Indiana are doing well, but many are “looking very depressed and very shabby.” During an interview this weekend on Inside INdiana Business Television, Madison says the “two Indianas” concept affects us all. Madison's book covers the history of Indiana “from the Ice Age to the present.”

He says parts of the state including central Indiana, Warsaw and Bloomington are thriving, but a drive to “county courthouse” communities will reveal less prosperous situations.

Madison contends this difference is an indicator of “very significant changes” over the last half-century.

Source: Inside INdiana Business