Healthcare System Challenges

The U.S. healthcare system presents significant barriers to achieving the American Dream:

• 16% of the population (50 million people) lack insurance coverage
• High out-of-pocket expenses for medical care
• Shortage of medical specialists
• Health spending per person reached $11,945 in 2020, far higher than other developed nations
• Lack of price transparency makes it difficult for patients to make informed decisions

Highlight: Despite spending more on healthcare than countries like Germany, the U.S. does not have a higher life expectancy, challenging the notion of superior quality of life in the American Dream.

Black American History and Present

The African American experience reveals deep contradictions in the American Dream:

• Brought to America as slaves starting in 1619
• 12.5 million slaves transported to North America
• Generations of segregation, discrimination, and unequal opportunities
• Ongoing disparities in education, wealth, and treatment by law enforcement

Example: In 2017, 69.2% of Black 8th graders attended highly segregated schools, compared to only 12.9% of white students.

Highlight: The median net worth of Black households in 2019 was less than 15% that of white families, showing persistent economic inequality.