Iconic America

When it comes to different types of mass cultural production, the tremendous influence and power of Hollywood is unparalled. But like all power throughout history, it is not afforded equally to most segments of society.

The story of how a real estate advertisement erected in 1923 became an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream.

In many ways, the Hollywood sign is a perfect emblem Los Angeles -- first as an advertisement for a subdivision, then as an ad for Hollywood writ large. This video explains the role that car culture played in creating this timeless icon.

From Dollywood to Bollywood in India and Nollywood in Nigeria, the Hollywood sign has inspired numerous imitations and replicas around the world, but stands alone as a unique and internationally recognized symbol of the American entertainment industry.

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

The last team to integrate MLB, The Boston Red Sox have a "shameful past with respect to race relations," according to Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of The Boston Red Sox. In this clip, we look at the history of racism in a franchise known for turning away legendary athletes of color such as Willie Mays.

After winning winning five of the first 15 World Series, the Red Sox committed the original sin of baseball by trading star pitcher Babe Ruth to the Yankees for cash. They were the greatest team in Major League Baseball, but after they traded Ruth, they wouldn't win another World Series for 86 years.

The Boston Red Sox's World Series win in 2004 was a historic moment for the team and its fans. It marked the end of an 86-year championship drought, known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which began after the Red Sox traded baseball legend Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919. The Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series and swept them in four games.

As the number one tourist attraction in Boston, Fenway Park's allure transcends the sport of baseball. In this clip, fans and historians discuss the merits of the park as a destination for visitors from around the world, and a historic monument.

The 1967 Boston Red Sox captured the hearts of their fans and became known as the "Impossible Dream" team. After finishing ninth in the American League in 1966, the Red Sox made a remarkable turnaround and won the American League pennant. During this time, there was also a proposal for a multi-use stadium that would have been shared by the Red Sox and the New England Patriots.

This clip revisits an error by Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in game 7 of the 1986 World Series that remains one of the most memorable plays in baseball history. The error prevented Boston from going into a tie-breaking 11th inning against The New York Mets, and epitomizes The Curse of the Bambino -- a superstition about the team's decades-long drought of World Series Championships.

"Historical symbols have a lot to say about who we are and who we have become, but our collective memory is shaped by who is doing the storytelling. At a time when America has become increasingly divided, it's important to remember the things that connect us." -- David Rubenstein