John Opie studies the landscape of American values to identify variants of the American dream, which range from having basic necessities to living in luxurious material comfort. He explores the relationship of the American dream to American democratic ideals and the idea that “the future isn’t what it used to be.” He comments on science and technology’s role in helping to meet the needs of citizens, and on the persistent need for a social culture that is conducive to widespread attainment of the American dream ideal.
In the second segment [6:30], William Chafe discusses some of the personal and social attitudes surrounding the debate over ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, from traditional gender roles and attitudes about race that impede equal opportunity to the effects of World War II and postwar shifts in roles and expectations. He compares the ERA debate with the civil rights movement, and shares anecdotes about female activists working with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and similar organizations, who made demands for equal treatment in those settings.
At the time of this interview, Opie, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1980-81), was professor of environmental history at Duquesne University.
Chafe, a Fellow at the Center (1981-82), was professor of history at Duke University.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
