Understanding the Credit Crisis 

Let me be honest, if someone were to approach me and ask why the economy is the way it is right now I would probably say something along the lines of handing out too many mortgages to people who can’t pay and mention how there was just too much borrowed money. It would get me by, but I really don’t have a conceptual understanding of why those things occurred and it certainly isn’t enough knowledge to have an opinion on economic decisions being made in the news.

Perhaps I’m just uniquely ignorant, but I’m willing to bet that most people wouldn’t be able to explain it all very clearly if they had to. I feel like since it’s something that’s all over the news and heard and talked about every day, everyone just goes along as if they know what’s going on. Bits and pieces are gathered from hearing “who’s to blame” and what’s being done, then reactions are formed based on limited understanding. Everyone’s walking around with their emperor’s knowledge hoping no one calls them out because, of course, you’d be stupid NOT to understand.

But again, perhaps I’m uniquely ignorant.

In any case, I came across this video that does a pretty good job of explaining on a basic level what led up to the economic collapse. It’s really well done and the graphics keep your attention– which is important because, of course, this is all refresher anyways, right?

Enjoy!

Consumerist article

[Poon]

p.s. Is that use of semi-colon correct? I just guessed.