Musical Interpretations of the American Dream: Family Life

Here are a pair songs that relate to our theme. Can you think of others?

American Dreams by Casting Crown (2003) focuses on a man who pursues his career at the cost of spending time with his family.



That reminded me of this song by Harry Chapin, Cat's in the Cradle (1974). Here's a live version preceded by a short interview with his widow, Sandy (who wrote the lyrics) and his son, Josh, reflecting on the impact it made in people's lives.



In fact, Chapin's life reflected his attitude about the American Dream. In the mid-1970s, Chapin focused on his social activism, including raising money to combat hunger in the United States. His daughter Jen said: "He saw hunger and poverty as an insult to America." He co-founded the organization World Hunger Year. Many of Chapin's concerts were benefit performances, and sales of his concert merchandise were used to support World Hunger Year.

American Dreaming: Economics

I was inspired by student George Young to share a few quotes from humorist Will Rogers on this subject:

"The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you if you don't let it get the best of you."


"The nation is prosperous on the whole, but how much prosperity is there in a hole?"

"An economist's guess is liable to be as good as anybody else's."

We'll be joined by Washington State Regional Labor Economist Scott Bailey today. I'd say his guess is much better than anyone else's about how our area has fared over the years and where it's likely to go in the future. Here's a link to some of the lively articles he's written over the years at Workforce Explorer.

American Dreaming: Community Housing Resource Center

In our first class, we're fortunate to have Teri Duffy, Executive Director of Community Housing Resource Center join us. She'll share her experiences regarding a critical element of the American Dream concept: home ownership.

You can learn more about her work here.

American Dreaming: History of Affordable Housing

Bernard Hoffmann, for Life Magazine, Bernard Levey Family

For many, the American Dream includes a house with a picket fence.

There's a great look at the history of postwar housing with a special focus on Levittown, an "ideal American suburb" at The Affordable Housing Institute site.

They provide a link to the National Building Museum. Let's take a virtual field trip to the exhibition:

Affordable Housing: Designing an American Asset

American Dreaming: Vanity Fair Reading Assignment

There are seven days between our class periods.

I know, I am sad too. I will miss you all.

But we can keep busy by reading a marvelous Vanity Fair article about the American Dream by editor David Kamp. Oh, joy!

Seriously, this is a great piece. It's what inspired me to develop this course. So please click on this link for

Rethinking the American Dream

and read it over. Discuss it with family and friends. Jot down a few notes about things you'd like to talk about next class period.

There will be a quiz.

Did that get your attention?

Chocolate for all those who pass.

Did that get your attention?

I thought so.

American Dreaming: Origin of the Term "American Dream"

When do you think the term "American Dream" was coined? You might be surprised at the answer.

The Library of Congress has this to say:

The term was first used by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America which was written in 1931. He states: "The American Dream is "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."

Do you know who this guy is?

Would it help if I showed you this?



Go here for an interesting story about him. Then come back and comment!

What Happened to the American Dream? on 20/20

What Happened to the American Dream? was the title of a segment of Episode 6 on 20/20.

It discusses how families are scaling back from excessive lifestyles.

Watch the clip here.

Do you know of people with similar stories?