In a period of tremendous prosperity, there were nevertheless millions of Americans who did not share in the dream. Who were they, why were they outsiders, and why were they so easily overlooked?

During periods of tremendous prosperity, there were several groups of Americans who did not share in the economic success. These included minorities such as African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants, as well as women and those living in poverty. They were considered outsiders because of systemic discrimination, lack of access to education and job opportunities, and social and economic barriers. They were easily overlooked because the dominant narrative of prosperity often focused on the success of the majority population, while ignoring the struggles and challenges faced by these marginalized groups. Additionally, their voices were often silenced or ignored in mainstream media and political discourse, further contributing to their invisibility. Overall, these groups were excluded from the American dream due to systemic inequalities and discrimination, making it difficult for them to access the same opportunities for prosperity as the majority population.