Economy

Current Economic Downturn is Redefining the "American Dream"

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, Hank Crook / Producer

Published May 13, 2009 at 5:40 AM PDT

This story was published more than 14 years ago.

Where did this concept of the "American Dream" come from, and is that idea sustainable in today's economy? We speak to reporter Sam Eaton from the Marketplace Sustainability Team, and Stephen Smith from American RadioWorks, about the history and future of the "American Dream."

Maureen Cavanaugh: From the time of the first settlers to the immigrants of today, America has offered the world a dream of a better life. But what that dream has come to represent in recent years, may have less to do with freedom and opportunity and more to do with McMansions and six-figure incomes. As the American dream became glossier and more unattainable, many Americans have resorted to credit and creative financing to make their dreams come true.

So as we persevere through the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression, it may be time to re-evaluate the values and assumptions that got us into this mess, and invent "the next American dream."

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Guests

Stephen Smith, executive editor of American RadioWorks on Minnesota Public Radio.

Sam Eaton, sustainability reporter for Marketplace in Los Angeles.

Economy

Maureen Cavanaugh

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Maureen Cavanaugh has been a familiar voice for KPBS listeners for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of capacities including announcer, host, and producer. As host of KPBS Midday Edition, Maureen has interviewed a wide range of notables, such as comedienne Sandra Bernhardt, actor John Lequizamo, author Chuck Palahniuk, composer Marvin Hamlisch, artist Robert Irwin, and designer Zandra Rhodes. But of all the interviews Maureen has conducted, her most special was with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Before joining KPBS in 1997, she worked as a news anchor for KSDO and KOGO News Radio in San Diego. While working for commercial radio stations in San Diego and in Salt Lake City, Utah, Maureen reported on both hard news and lifestyle features. Maureen has received three "Golden Mike" awards from the Radio and TV News Association of Southern California for economic reporting and breaking news. She has also received a "Best of Show" and “Best Radio Newscast” awards from the San Diego Press Club and the "Flo" Award from Public Radio Program Directors Association for Best Public Radio Announcer in a large market. Maureen is a native of Queens, New York, but after more than 20 years in San Diego she feels she qualifies as a real Southern Californian.

What do you want to hear host Jade Hindmon talk about on Midday?

Hank Crook

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Hank Crook was the producer for "KPBS Midday Edition" as well as Friday's "Roundtable on KPBS Midday Edition" and KPBS TV's "San Diego Week" until 2011. He produced shows about a wide variety of topics. Some of Hank’s favorite topics include: local politics, economics, the environment and anything sports-related. Hank graduated with a degree in journalism from San Diego State University, and has been a professional journalist in San Diego since 2003. As an SDSU student, Hank served as an intern for the KPBS Radio newsroom. Hank grew up in San Diego, and is an alumnus of Point Loma High School. When Hank is not at work, he likes to exercise, listen to music, hang out with friends and manage his fantasy sports teams.

See stories by Hank Crook