The Next American Dream
What's in your future?Although the phrase "The American Dream" was not coined until 1931, the idea is older than America itself. But somewhere between the economic expansion of the 1950s and the bubble economies of the last 20 years, the American Dream has changed. Hard work, advancement through achievement and the idea that anyone can be middle class gave way to house flippers, debt speculators, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and the idea that never-ending consumption was key to the pursuit of happiness.
From May 12 to 17, six American Public Media programs -- American RadioWorks, Marketplace, Marketplace Money, Marketplace Morning Report, Speaking of Faith and The Story -- will examine "The Next American Dream."
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Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report, Marketplace Money
- The Four Pillars:
Can we ever retire? Can we afford college? Or a home in a decent part of town? Can we still pick up and go, and find a job when we get there? Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report and Marketplace Money explore these questions through personal stories of individuals and families at different points in their lives.
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Speaking of Faith
- Repossessing Virture:
Is this economic downturn a moral or spiritual crisis? What resources and virtues does one bring to approaching it? What kind of wisdom and leadership do you look for at this time? Hear the stories of Speaking of Faith listeners.
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American RadioWorks
- A Better Life: Creating the American Dream:
The American Dream has powered the hopes and aspirations of Americans for generations. What exactly is the American Dream? How did we come to define it? And is it changing?
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The Story
- Teamwork in the Trailer Park:
Dick Gordon talks to Theresa Phillips about how a group of women with limited opportunity and finances constructed a new American Dream that doesn't involve welfare dependency.
Your American Dream
The views of a few American Public Media listeners. . . .
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Times have changed and the American Dream is no longer relevant today. The American Dream needs to evolve to this changing planet of overpopulation and excess materialism.
Faraz Hussain, Peoria, Ill.
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I'd like to see a return of the middle class. Remember them?
Lorie Johnson, Sherwood, Ariz.
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The next American Dream would be self-sufficiency and sustainability, spirituality, inclusiveness, education and art. Less greed and "keeping up with the Joneses."
Anna Ayres, Appleton, Minn.
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Almost none of my peers expect to do as well as our parents did, or at least not better than they did. Our "American Dream" has been both altered and downsized.
Liza Barry-Kessler, Milwaukee, Wis.
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The next Dream I hope will be one that is not based on a notion of solely individual success and achievement, but one that acknowledges the social nature of success.
Erin Silverstein, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Support
Support for The Next American Dream is provided by the Kendeda Sustainability Fund.
