SXSW Panel Explores the State of the American Dream

Experts discuss whether the American Dream is still attainable for today's working class.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At a SXSW panel, experts examined the current state of the American Dream, exploring whether it remains achievable for everyday Americans as it once was for previous generations. The discussion was led by filmmaker David McCourt, who spent the past year traveling the country and interviewing thousands of people about their interpretation of the modern American Dream. Panelists, including mental health experts and a PBS executive, discussed factors contributing to a perceived decline in the American Dream, such as a mental health crisis, social media's impact on youth, and the rising unaffordability of home ownership.

Why it matters

This conversation at SXSW highlights growing concerns about the accessibility of the American Dream, a core national ideal. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, experts are examining whether the dream of home ownership, financial stability, and upward mobility is still within reach for working-class Americans, especially younger generations. The discussion touches on critical issues like mental health, misinformation, and economic inequality that are shaping the modern American experience.

The details

The panel was led by David McCourt, founder of McCourt Entertainment, who spent the past year traveling across the U.S. and interviewing thousands of Americans about their views on the American Dream. McCourt said the dwindling dream stems from a mental health crisis, loss of faith in civic institutions, lack of community, and the bleak possibility of home ownership. Mental health experts on the panel, Dr. Nicholas Covino and Dr. Nadja Lopez of William James College, discussed how anxiety, depression, and the influence of social media are impacting youth's outlook on the American Dream at an early age. Dolores Fernandez Alonso, president and CEO of South Florida PBS, also noted the growing need for trusted news sources amidst the rise of misinformation.

  • McCourt's documentary 'AMERIGO' is set to premiere on PBS on July 4, 2026.
  • The panel discussion took place on Thursday, March 13, 2026 at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

The players

David McCourt

Founder of McCourt Entertainment, who spent the past year traveling across the U.S. and interviewing thousands of Americans about their views on the American Dream.

Dr. Nicholas Covino

President at William James College, who discussed the mental health crisis impacting youth's outlook on the American Dream.

Dr. Nadja Lopez

Faculty member at William James College, who spoke about the influence of social media on children's mental health and sense of societal acceptance.

Dolores Fernandez Alonso

President and CEO of South Florida PBS, who noted the growing need for trusted news sources amidst the rise of misinformation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you're a janitor, like my grandfather was, and you don't have an extra $1,000 a year to pay for Netflix and Apple TV or whatever, I don't think your children or you should be deprived of media, news, and entertainment.”

— David McCourt, Founder, McCourt Entertainment (The Austin Chronicle)

“The folks in power, the older people [who] feel we're doing kind of okay, are missing what's going on with young people.”

— Dr. Nicholas Covino, President, William James College (The Austin Chronicle)

“Social media platforms are being created to target those ways of gaining approval but by ways that are not very healthy.”

— Dr. Nadja Lopez, Faculty, William James College (The Austin Chronicle)

What’s next

McCourt and PBS are expanding the project's scope to allow for more American voices to be heard through a website called america-dreams.com, where they are encouraging individuals to submit videos that give their take on the American Dream and if they believe it is still realistically obtainable.

The takeaway

This SXSW panel highlights the growing concerns around the accessibility of the American Dream, a core national ideal, as experts examine whether it remains achievable for working-class Americans today as it once was for previous generations. The discussion touches on critical issues like mental health, social media's influence, misinformation, and economic inequality that are shaping the modern American experience.