TB killed 1 in 7 Americans
According to a PBS documentary Bobby watched, tuberculosis historically killed 1 out of every 7 Americans.
Where this was said
PBS, Tuberculosis, and Bobby's Embarrassingly Small Donation
At 32:46 · chapter starts 25:20
Bobby dives into his latest PBS obsession: the American Experience documentary 'The Forgotten Plague' about tuberculosis, which reveals the disease once killed 1 in 7 Americans [1] — Bobby Lee "Bobby has been binge-watching PBS American Experience documentaries, particularly one revealing tuberculosis killed 1 in 7 Americans. His a…" 30:00 . Tuberculosis asylums in Los Angeles started as luxurious facilities for the wealthy before the poor — and specifically Black and brown communities — were pushed out. Andrew then turns the tables, exposing that Bobby's $80 annual PBS contribution is well below the average donor's $140 to $250, and that the entire gift was motivated by unlocking PBS Passport streaming. Bobby accepts the shame, promises to donate more, and then immediately qualifies that he probably won't. The segment has the rhythm of a roast and the warmth of two people who clearly share a love of accidental knowledge.
PBS, Tuberculosis, and Bobby's $80 Donation
Bobby has been binge-watching PBS American Experience documentaries, particularly one revealing tuberculosis killed 1 in 7 Americans. His annual PBS donation: $80 — below the average donor and primarily motivated by wanting PBS Passport streaming access.
Bobby's PBS donation: $80/yr
Bobby Lee donates only $80 a year to PBS, primarily to access PBS Passport streaming, which is below the average donor amount.
PBS average donation: $140–$250/yr
The average individual donation to PBS/NPR is roughly $140 to $250 a year, well above Bobby's $80 annual contribution.
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