Exploring the Dual Nature of the American Dream: Utopia and Dystopia

Exploring the dichotomy of the American Dream, a new book and two exhibitions delve into its representation as both a utopia and a dystopia. Donald Trump’s declaration in 2015 that the American Dream was deceased, followed by his pledge to revitalize it if elected, set the stage for its renewed prominence in the 2024 US elections. President Biden also vowed to rejuvenate it, equating “Bidenomics” with the American Dream. Originating in James Truslow Adams’ 1931 book, The Epic of America, the American Dream initially symbolized social advancement and self-fulfillment. However, with the US ranking 27th in global social mobility, its original aspirations seem fragmented. An exhibition at Barcelona’s Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB), titled Suburbia – Building the American Dream, examines the cultural legacy of American suburbs and the broader implications of architectural choices.