Teach-In: The Myth of the American Dream

Gabriel Bruguier, assistant professor and research specialist librarian at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, leads a teach-in examining the myth of the American dream as a part of the public programming related to the exhibition "Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity."

This teach-in is an interactive, multidisciplinary engagement with Nicholas Galanin's work " The American Dream is Alie and Well." The phrase "American Dream" evokes ideas about upward mobility, boundless opportunity. It identifies the unique characteristics of our country in which through hard work, one can move from nothing to something. This idea finds its roots early in our nation's history and pervades to this day. As such, it is a myth that functions to mobilize people into action, to orient them towards a certain goal-the production of wealth. Throughout the life of this myth, its tellers have demonized and/or erased the Indigenous People of North America, and enabled violence and theft upon their bodies and land. In this teach-in we will engage with specific historical moments and aspects of the myth, explore our own conceptions of it, and analyze aspects of Galanin work that challenge its place in American culture.

This teach-in is free and open to everyone 16 years and older. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Image: Nicholas Galanin's work "The American Dream is Alie and Well" in the exhibition "Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity" at Sheldon Museum of Art through July 5, 2026.

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Category: Arts | Visual Arts | Museum