Welcome to Minority Report
I’m Sanjiv, an “English” reporter based in Los Angeles. I cover subcultures and fringe groups because I love weirdos they’re a fascinating lens through which to examine the world and make sense of it.
I’ve been writing since flip-phones, mostly for GQ and Esquire, where I interviewed a ton of celebs—several tons—and yes, there will be stories… But the rest of the time, I was off in search of oddballs and outlaws, freaks and seekers, the kind that America churns out with such abandon (but not just America…).
On these pages I’ll be introducing you to the worlds of pimps, Nazis, swingers, trolls, bikers, border vigilantes and sovereign citizens. Also furries, Bronies, hackers, hookers, ultra runners and sneeze fetishists (bless them). You’ll meet the polygamists of Utah and Arizona. I fell down that rabbit hole in the 2000s during the whole Warren Jeffs saga. Those investigations led to a documentary for Channel Four (UK) called “The Man With 80 Wives”. There was also a book, Secrets & Wives: The Hidden World of Mormon Polygamy (Counterpoint).
Since then, I’ve found a new rabbit hole, with actual rabbits this time (or at least that’s how they identify). If you like true crime, you’re in the right place...
Why Subcultures
Because many reasons:
They’re interesting and strange and what is life about if not to explore the most colorful corners of humanity? Who would you rather spend Thanksgiving with—your family or Pimp Chicago? (Stay tuned for option B.)
They reveal who we are as a society. The fringe is a response to the mainstream, a comment, a circumference. Every culture is described by its limits.
They force us out of our comfort zones. They raise awkward questions, expand our empathy and demand that we see the world differently.
They’re more relevant than ever. Groups and ideas that were once considered ‘out there’ are now ‘in here’, at the center of our culture, actively shaping our world. From Q Anon to Queers for Palestine. From Stop The Steal to Great Replacement Theory. We live in interesting times. Men can get pregnant now, everything is racist and what was once the center is now a clamorous town square full of out-group minorities jostling for primacy. Not just the ethnic kind, but religious, political, ideological, sexual…
I can relate. And so can you. Everyone is an ‘other’ if you dig deep enough. As a child of Bengali immigrants in London, in a miserable, warring family, I know how it feels to be on the outside of things, looking in. I’ve tried living in England, India and LA, but wherever I go, it’s never home. I haven’t found my people, and maybe I never will, but I’m still looking. That’s why I’m here.
What To Expect
An article every few weeks or so. Don’t worry, I won’t inundate. If I can get it together, I’ll attempt an audio recording too, in case you prefer your reading that way. It’ll be a mix of:
New reporting and essays about groups and ideas that fascinate me. Expect odd scenes, curious characters and a lot of pondering about what it all means.
Stories from my archive, retold and reconsidered.
Updates on that crime story I mentioned.
Occasional memoir pieces and personal essays about my somewhat chaotic journey, including some helpful advice on how to get fired by GQ in two separate continents.
It’s Free
I’ll have to figure out the paywall stuff eventually. Reporting takes time and money. But for now, it’s all free. I’m just happy that you’re here.
My only ask is that you get in touch. If you find anything here that makes you think or wonder, then let me know. Tell me what you think about the newsletter, and the groups and ideas I cover. I’m interested in what you’re interested in. Is there a topic you’d like to explore?
I’m grateful for your support, whatever form it takes.
