History: PBS Iconic America

[LadyStanley]

pbs.org/iconicamerica

Episode 1: Fenway Park
Ep 2: The Hollywood Sign
Ep 3: The Gadsden Flag
Ep 4: The Cowboy
Ep 5: The Statue of Liberty
Ep 6: The American Bald Eagle
Ep 7: Stone Mountain
Ep 8: The Golden Gate Bridge

A look at some iconic American symbols/locations. Discuses how/why the thing was created, how it has "endured" and/or changed over the years, the controversies/tragedies of the thing and more. Interviews from folks who "were there" or experienced key moments relating to the icon.

I'm three episodes in and enjoying it.

Click to read more...

 

[JMCx4]

Your list has "The Cowboy" followed by "The Statue of Liberty", and my mind immediately went to this guy ...

 

[kyne]

pbs.org/iconicamerica

Episode 1: Fenway Park
Ep 2: The Hollywood Sign
Ep 3: The Gadsden Flag
Ep 4: The Cowboy
Ep 5: The Statue of Liberty
Ep 6: The American Bald Eagle
Ep 7: Stone Mountain
Ep 8: The Golden Gate Bridge

A look at some iconic American symbols/locations. Discuses how/why the thing was created, how it has "endured" and/or changed over the years, the controversies/tragedies of the thing and more. Interviews from folks who "were there" or experienced key moments relating to the icon.

I'm three episodes in and enjoying it.

No Golden Arches?

 

[LadyStanley]

No Golden Arches?

That was covered by the History Channel, the food that made America, or something like that.

 

[kyne]

It would be interesting to compare the PBS list to the iconic symbols and locations in other countries such as France, Egypt or China to name a few.

I haven't warched the series. How does PBS define an icon as being specifically American besides geography? Cowboys and bald eagles exist and are considered iconic in other countries, for example.

 

[LadyStanley]

"Historic significance"

FWIW, the Naked Cowboy was included in the Cowboy episode.

 

[JMCx4]

... I haven't wa(t)ched the series. How does PBS define an icon as being specifically American besides geography? Cowboys and bald eagles exist and are considered iconic in other countries, for example.

The tradition of American national hubris allows us to consider & claim ANYTHING as our own.