The Great American Lie 2020

Here is my rephrased version of the section:

The Great American Lie is a documentary that delves into the stark reality of inequality in modern America, tracing its roots back to the very essence of the coveted American Dream. This thought-provoking film explores how the ideals embedded within the Dream shape our society and perpetuate disparity, widening the chasm between our social, economic, and political fabric. The documentary scrutinizes the cultural narrative that shapes our values, examining how we “gender” people and things, and reveals a profound imbalance in our societal pendulum, which has swung perilously far towards a masculine worldview, idolizing attributes like wealth, power, and individualism over those deemed quintessentially “feminine”, such as empathy, cooperation, and community. This distorted perspective has spawned the worst economic and social inequality since the Great Depression, fueling a crisis of disconnection that threatens to tear apart our very fabric.

Through the poignant stories of five individuals - a public school principal fighting for a more level playing field; a social justice advocate shedding light on the struggles of low-wage working women; a public interest lawyer championing reform that prioritizes care over punishment; a steelworker grappling with the devastating consequences of layoffs, economic disillusionment, and addiction; and a Southern, conservative single mother embarking on a transformative journey from disconnection to empathy - this film brings the harsh realities of America’s vast inequality to life. Interwoven with expert insights that provide historical, political, and economic context, The Great American Lie presents a powerful exposé of the ways in which gendered values perpetuate privilege for the few while oppressing the many.

As the nation grapples with the devastating reality of rampant inequality, “The Great American Lie” emerges as a beacon of timely relevance, its potency amplified by the fresh perspective it brings to the table. By infusing the narrative with the distinct flavor of gender dynamics, this film propels the conversation forward, shedding light on both the root causes and potential solutions to America’s deep-seated divisions. With a wealth of experience in deconstructing and redefining limiting gender narratives that have long plagued our society, our documentary team is uniquely equipped to tackle this pivotal story. The seeds for this exploration were sown with our earlier films, “Miss Representation” and “The Mask You Live In”, which meticulously examined the far-reaching consequences of gender on individuals and communities across America. Now, with “The Great American Lie”, we envision a triumphant conclusion to this trilogy, one that boldly examines the profound impact of our gendered values on the fabric of American society as a whole.