Iconic America

The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic. The episode examines the myths and realities of this archetype, which remains as potent as ever in the 21st century.

The Homestead Act of 1862 provided that any citizen who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of government land as long as they cultivated their plot.

Buffalo Bill and his Rough Riders' dramatic reenactments of conflicts such as The Battle of Summit Springs cast cowboys as heroic fighters, coming in to save the day against "hostile" Native Americans. The international success of these Wild West Shows led to a skewed perspective of the role of real cowboys in the American West.

Philip Morris understood that The West as a cultural backdrop, held great appeal to Americans. By tapping into the magic of Marlboro Country, the cigarette company created an ultramasculine cowboy icon, The Marlboro Man, whose ads ran successfully for decades.

In the 1920s, the rise of a new form of militant white racism had a big impact on the motion picture industry. Consequently, Hollywood Westerns downplayed the significant role that women, Black people and other marginalized groups and minorities played in settling The West, in favor of promoting the mythic image of male-dominant, gun-toting cowboys.

"For us it was this symbol, moving out into enemy territory: 'Don't tread on me.' But during that tour, it really took on a different meaning."
- Sergeant First Class Joe Morrisey served in Afghanistan as a member of the First Platoon.

Flags are clearly an important part of what it means to be an American. But why is that? Why do we care so much about a piece of cloth?

After The Boston Tea Party, the British decide to blockade Boston Harbor, marking the first signs of real hostilities between the colonies and England. So in 1775, when the Continental Congress decided to form a navy to protect trade, a flag with a coiled snake, prepared to strike, served as the perfect symbol to fly aboard its ships.

In this episode, viewers will discover how the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag, once a potent symbol of independence, has been co-opted by a variety of Americans over its long history.

"I think the word patriot has been so perverted, particularly since January 6th. A patriot is somebody that's tearing up the capitol? No. For me, patriotism is somebody that believes in the fundamental basics of democracy and the republic, and will defend it and defend the rights of people they disagree with." - Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger on how he defines true patriotism.

Baseball is a favorite American pastime and obsession, and no ballpark is more iconic than Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. This episode tells the story of a city’s loyalty to its team and love for its ballpark through thick and thin.

Film historian Jonathan Kuntz describes some of the anecdotes and myths surrounding the origin of the Hollywood film industry.