Photographer Ian Brown travelled more than 80,000 miles around the US, trying to discover the meaning of the so-called American dream.
“The idea of the American dream has always been rooted in the mythology of American culture,” he says.
“It is really just a vague concept that most would assume to mean that if one works hard, there is opportunity to better one’s life.”
Setting off in 2006, the Canadian travelled to each of the 50 states, asking his subjects to write down their dreams and aspirations.
“Some told stories of their struggles,” he says.
“Some wrote about their hopes and dreams.
“And others wrote about their own failings and misgivings.
“The results were heart-breaking, provocative, inspiring, beautiful and often compelling and very raw – much like America itself.”
While politics and ideologies changed throughout the 12-year project, the photographer found the notion of the American dream remained constant.
“What has become evident is that the idea of the American dream offers a unique tether to each and every person throughout the country,” he says.
“It transcends political and cultural divides.
“It can be made more difficult.
“But it can never be taken away or denied.”
Here is a selection of Brown’s portraits and excerpts from his subjects’ own American dreams.https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-54604504