What Happened To “The Land Of Opportunity”?
The promise of the American Dream—that anyone, regardless of his or her origin, has the possibility of a prospective future. This notion has always been one of the keys to our country’s success. But, over the last several decades a disquieting opportunity gap has emerged, reflecting a lack of possibility specifically because of one’s socio-economic background.
Harvard Professor Robert D. Putnam, delineates the narrative of this crisis in his book, Our Kids. The stories in Our Kids illustrate the lack of equality in the United States. Dr. Putnam is both a passionate storyteller and a master analyst. His book is a combination of authoritative evidence, and moving personal narratives. In Dr. Putnam’s book suggestions are given to instruct ways that may arrest this decline, and restore the chance for something greater in the lives of our children.
The Our Kids Media Project is a national wake-up call. It will call attention to the crisis of ignorance, indifference, and inaction. As important, the project profile ongoing best practice solutions from across the country.
Dr. Putnam will host this audacious and thought-provoking television series, which highlights the best practice solutions from around the country. We will hear from parents, teachers, community activists, business leaders, experts, and from the children themselves acting as local journalists and on-camera reporters.