The American Dream

The American Dream by the Numbers

by Raj Chetty & David Williams, 2020

The article discusses a study on how economic outcomes change across generations. Topics covered include data showing that race matters even among families in the same socioeconomic class, evidence that both Black and White boys have better outcomes in good neighborhoods, and a program called Creating Moves to Opportunity which focuses on reducing the challenges that families face when using rental assistance from the federal government to find housing in upwardly mobile neighborhoods.

The American Dream

by Adam Barone, 2020

This article and video clip published by Investopedia.com discuss the definition of the American Dream and the economic policies that make it possible in the United States. A history of the concept is presented as well as recent criticisms of the idea.

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO UPWARD MOBILITY?

by Rana Foroohar, 2011

The article from Time Magazine discusses the American Dream and if the U.S. is still conducive to upward mobility for the non-wealthy. Information is provided on how the Occupy Wall Street protest movements throughout the U.S. display a dissatisfaction with U.S. government policy toward corporations and deep inequality between the wealthy, middle class, and the poor.

Immigrant Perspectives: The American Dream

by GeekWire, 2018

This video presents a diverse group immigrant CEO's who have achieved their American Dreams responding to interview questions. Some of the increasing challenges of achieving the American Dream are addressed, but an overall positive sentiment is portrayed.

Living the American Dream

by Pooja Mahajan, 2019

In this TEDx talk, Pooja Mahajan discusses the lengths she was willing to go to achieve her American Dream. She presents the importance of knowing what your American Dream really is and to not sacrifice your values and self-worth in pursuit of a pay check.

First-Generation Americans Talk About The American Dream

by As/Is, 2015

This video interviews first generation Americans with heritage from around the globe. The discuss the expectations of their parents, how the American Dream is defined by themselves and their families, and if they have achieved it yet.

Every Light Has Its Shadow: The Tales of Two Families

by James Sun

This story documented on the Angel Island Immigration Station website presents the story of two immigrants who were eventually able to settle in the United States with their families, but the issues they experienced in the process — both legally and emotionally — demonstrate the terrifying effects that racist immigration policies can have.

"Letter To Your Flag"

by Royalty, 2018

This spoken word poetry performance took place at the 2018 Youth Speaks Poetry Slam in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Empty Plate"

by Anthony "Joker" Orosco, 2018

This cinematic poem describes the challenges extreme poverty creates for immigrant farm worker's families while striving for the American Dream.

"Beneath the American Dream"

by Lora Lucente, 2020

This poem describes the American Dream and the hidden obstacles in our society that creates inequality in its achievement.

American Arithmetic

poem by Natalie Diaz

film by Mohammed Hammad

This poem and documentary film describes Native American interaction with police officers and the despair of not knowing ones own culture due to the mass extermination of native people.

Is the American Dream Really Dead?

by Stephen J. Dubner, Jan. 18, 2017

"Just a few decades ago, more than 90 percent of 30-year-olds earned more than their parents had earned at the same age. Now it’s only about 50 percent. What happened — and what can be done about it?" This episode explores how people and politicians define the American Dream and the reality of this idea in the American economy today. The podcast centers mainly around the research of Sanford economist, Raj Chetty,.

Gloria Naylor on the American Dream

Interview by Michael Epstein, 2007

"Naylor speaks compassionately and critically about the notion of the American Dream. She explores this theme in three American classics: Nella Larsen’s novel Passing (1929), F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) and John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath (1939)." She argues that the American Dream has always been exclusive, meant for some types of people and not others, and discusses how that idea is reflected in literature

American Dreams: Then And Now

Special Series, 2012

This is a collection of 30+ short radio clips and articles from NPR that was created in 2012. It features perspectives from musicians, athletes, politicians, college students, immigrants, former inmates and more and discusses the impact of economic policy, racism, and cultural perspectives on the idea of the American Dream and its achievablity.

The American Dream

Speech by Barack Obama, Nov. 7, 2007

This speech was delivered by Barack Obama while he was still campaigning to become the Democratic Candidate for the 2008 Presidential Election. While no authorized video footage of the speech is currently available, the transcript is available through CNN. He describes how this dream has inspired Americans for generations and what societal and policy changes need to take place for this dream to truly become a reality for all.

Video Excerpt: The American Dream

Speech by Michele Obama, 2012

This speech was delivered by Michele Obama at the 2012 National Democratic Convention during her husband's, President Barack Obama, reelection campaign. She describes American achievements that were made possible by the belief in the American Dream and what impact our continued belief could have on the future of our country.

Transcript of Republican National Convention Speech

by General Colin Powell, 1996

Colin Powell describes his families American Dream and how he was able to achieve it through hard work and service to his country. He ties the possibility of the American Dream to family values and economic policy that promotes hardworking citizens.

Transcript of Republican National Convention Speech

by Arnold Schwarzenegger, 2004

Delivered during his tenure as Governor of California, this speech describes the impact the American Dream had on his own life, both before and after his immigration to the United States. Arnold Schwarzenegger contrasts growing up in Soviet controlled Austria to the opportunities and experiences he has had in the United States.

Video Excerpt: State of the Union Address

Speech by George H. W. Bush, 1990

This speech was delivered to congress during President George H. W. Bush's second year in office. He addresses the changes needed to make the American Dream a reality for women, disabled Americans, and immigrants. He argues that the belief in the American Dream will result in a better America for all.