Superhero Nation

Chapter 05

The American Dream

How We Got Here and Our Challenges

Before you read

Kevin poses these at the start of the chapter, deliberately before his own argument. Answer them first if you can.

  1. 1

    How would you define or describe the “American Dream”?

  2. 2

    In what ways do you believe the American Dream is or isn’t available to everyone?

  3. 3

    What would you want or need in your life to make you truly happy?

What the chapter says

Kevin’s own distillation, in his words — not a summary written for him.

  • America’s promise of equal opportunity for all was the basis for what came to be known as the American Dream.

  • Millions of Americans who had sacrificed and worked hard helping build their community and our country were wiped out during the Great Depression.

  • The actual American Dream requires hard work and personal sacrifice, but it also requires us to embrace our shared values and ensure nothing compromises those values.

  • Throughout much of our history, the American Dream has been weaponized by those seeking power and control; embracing our personal power and responsibility can form a shield against such weaponization.

  • Every generation of Americans is capable of matching the Greatest Generation in defending, protecting, and preserving our nation and what it represents, if they choose to do so.

After you read

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