Great points -- I especially like your note about how that transportable schtick can play completely differently depending on the location (and how much value you see in the mall). My city has a lot of problems, but the mall isn't one of them. If he'd picked on the creepy luxury student housing going up all over and pushing people out of their neighborhoods, my perspective wouldn't be the same. And I think what you say about Sedaris and suburbia is part of what makes him a perfect "villain" for the pettier parts of the essay. I'd like to give a more thoughtful response to match yours, but it's late here. You've given me something to think about, so thanks!