English 102: Thoughts on the American Dream

Embarking on a historic journey, this documentary delves into the world of "Greek Diners & Restaurants," unearthing their pivotal role in the manifestation of the American Dream. Rooted in the heart of Philadelphia, these establishments have served as cultural cornerstones, bonding American and Greek-American communities since the early 20th Century. The film offers a rich tapestry of tales told through interviews with diner owners who have witnessed and steered their evolution. Greek-owned eateries extend beyond Philadelphia, forming an epicenter of the diner/restaurant business in the New York and New Jersey areas. The continual presence of these culinary institutions underlines their intrinsic role in Philadelphia's history and Greek heritage. This documentary serves as a tribute to their enduring legacy, inviting viewers to feast on a slice of cultural history.

Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream is a groundbreaking documentary-style film produced by the U.S. House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. Narrated by EMMY® award-winning actress Sarah Jessica Parker, this first-of-its-kind movie features three true stories from across the country of what it means to find economic security in America, as well as the diverse paths people are taking to get there.

While the families featured represent different backgrounds, perspectives, and political leanings, all of them share the same dream of financial stability, as well as gripping stories of struggle, ambition, and hope.

In the USA, many people are working 2 or more jobs and still living below the poverty line. Families are forced to move their children between motels and city campsites, always afraid of losing the next job - these are the 'working poor'.

Around 15% of the US population live below the poverty line. Since the economic crisis of 2009, over nine million jobs have been created in America. Officially, the recession is over. But American workers have come out of the crisis more vulnerable and even poorer than ever. Meet the people behind America’s economic recovery.

Germania has two minimum wage jobs, working 18 hours a day. Three-quarters of her salary goes on paying for the 15m square motel room she shares with her two children and her mother-in-law. But even with two jobs, she struggles to buy food for her family. In the past four months, they have stayed in five motels, moving every few weeks to ever-cheaper rooms as their money runs out.

Joe and Chelsie live with their two young daughters in a tent in a church car park. Their bathroom is a porta-potty they share with 50 other people. Around 500 families in Seattle live in these temporary camps. Like Germania, Chelsie works full time but she can no longer afford to live in the city she works in.

Trade Union leader, Scott Slawson, has worked for General Electric for 13 years. But a few days ago, he was told his job will be re-located to a state with no wages and 50% lower salaries. He doesn’t know if he will be able to find another job.

At the start of the 20th century, award-winning filmmaker Steve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters, Abacus: Small Enough To Jail) and his team spent four years filming a diverse group of contemporary immigrants and refugees as they journey to start new lives in America. We follow an Indian couple to Silicon Valley through the dot-com boom and bust. A Mexican meatpacker struggles to reunite his family in rural Kansas. Two families of Nigerian refugees (including the sister of slain Ogoni activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa) escape government persecution. Two Los Angeles Dodgers prospects follow their big dreams of escaping the barrios of the Dominican Republic. A Palestinian woman who marries into a new life in Chicago only to discover in the wake of September 11, she cannot leave behind the pain of her homeland's conflict.

on voting rights