SERIES/ASSIGNMENT IDEA: What Does Your American Dream Sound Like?

[Ryan Goble]

This summer NPR radio host / music commentator Ann Powers launched a REALLY cool series on her show "The Record." They are asking professionals and their audience to write / read essays on what their American Dream sounds like.  I think this is a brilliant writing assignment for a music, language arts, media, or social studies class.  The initial blog post titled "Tell Us What Your American Dream Sounds Like" laid out the challenge:

What is the American dream?

A white picket fence and a walk-in closet? Mobility? The promise that your kids will walk an easier road than you did? Bank deposit insurance? Equality under the law? Showing up to your 25th high school reunion with a full head of hair and a fancy title? A Murcielago and a boob job?

And what in the world does that sound like? John Cougar Mellencamp? Lynyrd Sknyryd? Bruce Springsteen? Duke Ellington? KRS-One? Elton John? Jay-Z?

We've not asking for your favorite song about the U.S.A, or the song that makes you proud to be an American. We're looking for songs that set your version of the American Dream to music. We're looking for songs that tell your stories, the stories of you making your way out here. Songs that sound like your hopes and fears, frustrations and triumphs.

 

They seem to be featuring one a week. See -

How Rock Ballads Brought My Father's American Dream To Life

My American Dream Sounds Like Prince

Springsteen's American Dream, Beautiful And Bleak

 

One imagines these will ultimately be collected into a book like NPR's exemplary This I Believe series/books. How cool would it be to have your student reading these on NPR? Steal this assignment idea NOW! :)

[camille napier bernstein]

Such a great idea!  Our 11th grade curriculum is based on the America Dream.

[Ryan Goble]

I thought so too - can't wait to see what other essays come through.  I think kids will love it!

[Melissa L]

I love this idea.  I am planning to use the entire month of September to focus on developing community in my classroom, and I thought the best way would be to start by exploring our dreams.  I think this may move into two other themes I want to look at: constructing identities and good vs. evil in the world.  Right now I onl have a small list of songs, many from my generation.  I would like to start with something more CURRENT for the students, and I would love to know if anyone has ideas/suggestions of songs or even music videos since our students are so visual.  Also, anyone who has done projects like this that would be willing to share?  Thanks!!!

[Ryan Goble]

I cross-posted this one and Shirley Durr is working on the assignment - you should connect with her over there and see if you can collaborate on the scaffolding!