The End of the American Dream

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 - 11:00am
Cliff DuRand

For generations the promise of America has been for a rising standard of living. If you work hard, no matter how humble your origin you can rise in society to something better in the way of material well being, economic security, a settled life and social prestige. The economic crisis that has plagued the US since 2008 calls into question this dream.

Cliff DuRand of the Center for Global Justice takes a look at this tragic social development. He critiques the ideology of the American Dream, showing how its very success has undermined political support for the very policies that have made it possible for some. With rampant globalization of the economy, the upward mobility promised for the fabled "middle class" is being replaced by downward mobility for more and more. This is the consequence of policies of a political elite more attuned to the interests of corporations than people.

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 8, 2025 - 1:30pm
CST
Vijay Prashad
Location:
La Biblioteca, Sala Quezal

Note: This program is rescheduled from August 11.

We surely live in interesting times--from the deepening of U.S.-led militarism to existential ecological and economic crises to shifts in the world order ranging from a significant decline of the Global North along with the rise of the East and Global... Read more

Monday, September 22, 2025 - 1:00pm
CST
Rebecca Grant
Location:
La Biblioteca, Sala Quezal, Insurgentes 25, Centro, San Miguel de Allende

Award-winning author Rebecca Grant discusses her latest book--Access, Inside the Abortion Underground and the Sixty-Year Battle for Reproductive Freedom. Access charts the reproductive freedom movement... Read more

Monday, October 13, 2025 - 1:30pm
CST
Film Screening
Followed by discussion with Brad Rockwell
Location:
La Biblioteca, Sala Quezal, Insurgentes 25, Centro, San Miguel de Allende

2025 Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary

Remarkable largely unknown footage of a dramatic turning point in world history covering events over three continents concerning a tragic coup in the Congo. Featuring: Maya Angelou, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy... Read more