Who Stole the American Dream 2: The Continuing Plight of the Middle Class
In the follow-up to the groundbreaking documentary “Who Stole the American Dream?”, the new film delves deeper into the ongoing struggle of the middle class in the United States. The original documentary, released in 2012, exposed the factors that contributed to the erosion of the American Dream, including the corrupting influence of money in politics, the dismantling of labor unions, and the increasing wealth gap between the rich and the poor. Now, “Who Stole the American Dream 2” takes a closer look at the situation today, revealing that the American Dream remains out of reach for many.
The film begins by revisiting the key themes of the first documentary, such as the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which paved the way for unlimited corporate spending in political campaigns. This decision has allowed corporations to exert immense influence over the political process, often at the expense of the middle class. The film argues that this has led to policies that favor the wealthy and corporations, while neglecting the needs of the average American.
One of the most pressing issues highlighted in “Who Stole the American Dream 2” is the decline of the middle class. The film shows that the middle class has been shrinking for decades, with the average income of middle-class families stagnating or even decreasing. This has been accompanied by a rise in income inequality, with the top 1% of Americans capturing an increasing share of the nation’s wealth. The film argues that this trend is not a natural outcome of the free market, but rather the result of deliberate policies that favor the wealthy.
Another critical issue addressed in the film is the decline of manufacturing jobs in the United States. As factories have closed and moved overseas, millions of middle-class workers have lost their jobs, leading to a decrease in economic opportunities for many Americans. The film argues that this shift has not only cost jobs but also undermined the middle class’s sense of security and self-worth.
Despite these challenges, “Who Stole the American Dream 2” offers hope and solutions. The film profiles various individuals and organizations that are working to restore the American Dream for the middle class. These include community organizers, labor unions, and political activists who are fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and a more equitable distribution of wealth.
The film also examines the role of education in the American Dream. It argues that access to quality education is essential for social mobility and that the current system is failing to provide this opportunity for many. The film calls for reforms that would make higher education more affordable and accessible to all, ensuring that future generations have the tools they need to succeed.
In conclusion, “Who Stole the American Dream 2” is a powerful and timely documentary that continues the conversation about the state of the middle class in America. By exposing the factors that have contributed to the erosion of the American Dream and highlighting the efforts of those working to restore it, the film serves as a call to action for all Americans. It is a reminder that the American Dream is not a distant fantasy but a reality that can be achieved if we come together to fight for it.
