Urban Poverty

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2531805/US-population-rate-slowest-Great-Depression-despite-recession-ending-four-years-ago.html


1930s America- The Great Depression

Like many urban Americans who were victims of the 'Great Depression', these children pictured above, are indication of the sign 'Hoover's poor Farm', to be residents of 'Hooverville' (named after president Hoover). Shanty town set ups, these communities  of the poor , were common within major cities, for example Central Park Reservoir in 1931-1933,  They existed for those who were not able to pay for rent or became destitute in other ways. Not only is this photo hard hitting, because of the presentation of children in such a depressing environment, The fact that they are almost a literal sympathy advertisement feature, as they advertise the 'Hoover's Poor Farm - Tobacco Fund' indicating people of the time had to resort to begging to obtain tobacco and other products. Additionally, it can been seen as a piece of protest propaganda, designed to create a negative attitude toward the President, which i believe it does strongly do. 


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/08/women-poverty-america_n_4562226.html

2014 America - The Great Recession

I picked this photo, because i wanted to see if the visual impact of one children themed photo from 1931 would be similar in 2014. The image again portrays the difficulties faced during periods of financial hardship. The use of signs saying 'please help' and 'work for food' is further evidence of the limited stability that occurs in families. Although, the image does not show the state of the living conditions the american poor have to live in, unlike the picture above, that clearly shows the almost primitive types of housing available. The use of children in these images , create a significant question of the position the mothers have to deal with.

From Rags to Riches - Ralph Lifshitz

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/bloomberg-game-changers-ralph-lauren-5RO3oGviQVeIIX0elxNtbg.html

As the head of a a global clothing corporation and an estimated personal wealth of $7.5 million, with thousands of employees, awards, cars and properties, including a house in 5th Avenue, Ralph Lauren's (formally Ralph Lifshitz) is a physical embodiment of 'Rags to Riches', an icon of 'The American Dream'. who 'Created a brand synonymous with a superior lifestyle' 

His story, of a very similar nature to the one of Richard Hunter presented in Horatio Algers' Ragged Dick. who's concepts promote the idea, that through hard work, ambition and honesty, the acquisition of wealth, property and respectability could be accomplished. The video documentary about the rise of Ralph Lauren to become an american icon, is in many ways linked to that of Algers juvenile 'hero', a impoverish youth in a underdeveloped and challenging area of New York City (Bronx projects NYC) with an interest in self-indulgence to visit the cinema, as similarly did Dick in his visits to the Old Bowery. Ralph Lauren's passion derived from icons such as Fred Astair and Gary Grant, who's position's derived a sense of superiority and class, that was inaccessible to him at the time. 

Ralph Lauren, like that of Ragged Dick, developed his initial career with a variety of different low paid vocations. His move to educate himself at night school in salesmenship, is linked to that of Ragged Dicks educational improvement with Fosdick. After employment as a salesmen for Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren's move to self-establishment of his own brand, and faced with a challenge of naming it between 'Players' and 'Polo' he chose the idea linked to that of the latter, although ending up using his own name as the brand, as it was (the game of polo) the symbolic sport of the financial elite, a group he aspired to belong to. The concept of the 'American Dream' in that of perseverance, can be shown, in his initial dealing with New York retail giant Bloomingdales, who originally refused to buy his product (based on refusal to change name on the design), after which he gain a contract. selling designs that,

 

'took you to a fantasy world; to and island, the Hamptons, to the West' John Varvatos (Ralph Lauren's protege)

  

Ralph Lauren, developed into a chain of outlets and flagship stores  (including $30 million Rhinelander mansion , NYC),  and despite past corporate/personal financial difficulties (related to Dick's near bankruptcy by Jim Travis), health issues, and going public on the stock exchange (that nearly destroyed the company) Ralph Lauren, remains, one of America richest men, who started off selling handmade ties to schoolmates. An individual who's works and accomplishments are undeniable of the concept of 'The American Dream' and happens to have a life story very similar but that goes beyond that of Ragged Dick.

  

The Right to Bear Arms - Pro/Anti Gun Control

The Right to Bear Arms - Pro/Anti Gun control

Anti-Gun control - Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership -                                                                             http://jpfo.org/

'Sharing a common goal of opposing and reversing victim-disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all'

With the common view that most anti-gun control groups in the US are comprised of white, southern males, the discovery of a Jewish group directed by a Rabbi, was unusual in my view.

' Jews for the preservation of firearms' (JPFO) is a educational collective focusing on civil-rights activism against federal involvement on gun control legislation. Although not exclusive to the Jewish community, the JPFO derives much of its anti-gun control doctrine from Jewish; religious laws, traditions and history. Their website is a mix of information and retail, with a 11 minute video portraying JPFO's key aims and ideas of firearms control, such as their research into 'historical occurrences of the dominant and powerful instituting gun regulations to remove any armed threat from social 'undesirables'', they use the holocaust as an example. They argue that gun regulation has historically been a method of suppression and even a staring point for genocide  http://jpfo.org/filegen-a-m/deathgc.htm#chart .

The JPFO claim, like any US pro-gun group, that regulations are a infringement on their constitutional right to 'bear arms' stated in the second amendment. They promote their arguments through education, not lobbying. This is due to  the political, media and financial influences of liberal Jewish individuals such as Charles Schumer (D-NY) (sponsor of  Fix Gun Checks Act of 2013), and Michael Bloomberg (Former mayor of NY and Entrepreneur) are seen as too strong to directly combat.

 "[Liberal Jews] ...Driven by some sort of perverse, long-term, suicidal impulse.....leading America to stand poised on a immersion into European 'Nanny-State' socialism - where there is no room in this 'delusional grand scheme for 'the armed citizen' (Rabbi Bendory)  .

The groups website is a hub of far reaching theories , about how Liberal Jews are betraying the rest of the Jewish community from their divinely ordained 'right to self-defence' and how they are collaborating with a government, who base their gun laws (1968) on a frame Hitler's Nazi Sate developed in the 1930's. They claim regulation would leave a cyber/paper trail of who and from which ethnic group owns a firearm, Thus leading to the paranoia of 'mass continental confiscation of weaponry by the federal government'. The group however, has little opinion, research or information on limited gun regulation, such as removal of assault weapons and large ammunition clips, with the aim  to help prevent massacres. The idea that a mentally impaired Jew with a  gun could be is any less dangerous than a Christian, Muslim or atheist with a gun, is just uncomprehendable to me.


Pro-Gun Control - The Brady Campaign http://www.bradycampaign.org/

The website for the Brady campaign is simplistically structured with hard hitting statistics and linked to alternative campaigns (gun control to combat suicide and infanticide)  on gun violence in the US, it is a key source for understanding those who are advocates for gun-control.

Their aim :'changing how we think about the guns in our communities and in our homes.' , The groups challenge to stop gun violence is one of regulation, not confiscation. The Brady Campaign web site, is sectioned into the area of gun control that it is involved in, from proving legal representation to victims of gun violence to social enhancement programmes aimed at children the promotion of education on gun safety is a key part of their overall aim.

With statistics showing that gun violence is a current social issue, and that any regulations are based on contemporary not historical events.

'9 out of  10 Americans agree that we should have universal background checks, including three out of four NRA members.'

'On average, 32 Americans are murdered with guns every day '

'An average of eight children and teens under the age of 20 are killed by guns every day'

The site does not emphasis the views of extreme anti-gun advocates, that all weapons in the US should be banned, or sold and used in strictly regulated areas. The site emphasises the modern social need to regulate guns based on common sense and societies current attitude.

Overall, the comparison between the JPFO's website and that of the Brady Campaign is in the, layout of the sites and how they express their views. JPFO, focus on selling media products of theirs to radically alter the viewer attitude. They present themselves as a rather aggressive group, with a hardline view on the topic, 'there should be absolute gun freedom, or no guns at all' , which I really do not agree with, compromise would be of greater benefit to society, and the claims that the US government are basically structured like the Nazi's is ludicrous. Brady Campaign however, presents a site with well sourced statistics and , evidence that they can and are making a legislative change to gun-control in the US.

Liberty

 As a contemporary issue of mass controversy, the campaign for the legalization of Marijuana (M.J)  has been heavily covered by the media and continuing political debate. Now with the number of states that grant the use of marijuana, for medical purposes standing at 23, with two states (Washington and Colorado) in a legal position to permit marijuana. to be sold in state regulated 'weed shops', many questions and discussions have arising concerning the legitimacy for the states legislature to legalize a intoxicating substance that is seen under federal law to be an illicit item. With the main argument developing about the the rights of the states to create laws that oppose federal policy.

Amendment X of the US constitution (1789) sates that 'The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor the prohibited by the it to the states, are  reserved to the states respective, or to the people'  -  simply,  nowhere int the federal constitution is Congress given authority to regulate local matters concerning the health safety , and morality of state residence. This viewed infringement on the constitutional rights of the states to create laws that effect only that state, have lead to massive public pressure on the US government to decrease its attacks on states such as Colorado and Washington. Because of the Federal Governments continued 'War on Drugs', every President since Nixon has had to deal with the growing issues surrounding the domestic use of narcotics. As a standing point for political campaigning many Presidents and other politicians have promised the electorate, to reduce drug influence in the US. This has led to a battle between the executive in maintain an image of electoral appeasement , through regulation on 'legalized' states' and the states themselves who reject federal intervention 

The Video, along with being predominately informative about the 'weed' markets workings in the 'legalized state'. It also provides the viewer with an insight into the political issues attached with this topic. The interview with former Montana state Governor Brian Schweiter showed that although states resident have the prerogative to vote for what they want and don't want as laws in their state. Using constitutionally structured voting method e.g. Initiatives (70% voted for legislation of medical marijuana in 2004). However strict regulation form the Bush administration led to a small  number of residents applying for medical marijuana card, the increase in medical marijuana users after Obama's election  rose to 30,000. Claim for greater state independence is strongly advocated by Gov. Schweiter that 'if states want medical Marijuana and passes it through legislature or citizens initiatives let them regulate it'


The video additionally shows also how by allowing individuals the freedom to purchase, stock and sell  marijuana in 'legalized states' does not only give that person the freedom to influence their body with a substance (on the same basis of smoking or drinking), and without the consequence of legal action. It also provides opportunity for individuals to purchase an outlet and make a legitimate business. That outlet does have to pay tax of around 25%-27% on their products  resulting in a massive tax income for the state. Which then is invested into greater state development projects. 'Colorado, sales of retail marijuana have reaped about $18.9 million in state taxes (with a percentage to go to local governments)' (Huffington Post 2014)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/16/marijuana-tax-revenue_n_5829922.html

In conclusion, the video from CNN- 'Gone to Pot' , manages to explain how the development of shops selling marijuana has contributed to the local economy, as well as how the confrontation with the federal government has led to great debate over the use of individual states constitutional rights. which could impacting on the freedoms and liberties of individuals.

Contempary Icons - Will Smith

Contemporary 'icons'

Willard Christopher Smith Jr

How one man built a global movie-magnet machine (2007)

By Rebecca Winters Keegan

http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?sid=8eb0dd75-89b7-455c-995b-9b23ee3b4f78%40sessionmgr110&vid=0&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=aph&AN=27711976

Although mainly written as a time timed success story of Will Smith, this article , does raise questions about the contemporary  representation of American Americans thought famous black icons. filled with dates and statistics, it is easy to understand from this article to rapid success rate  of Will Smith. As a man who has travelled the world, earned large sums of money and raised a family, while continuing a highly pressured, publicized and scrutinized career.

The question of 'identity' is a recurring subject on the topic of African-Americanism, from abolition to the civil rights era, the establishment of group identity was being developed. What makes up an person/groups identity and how or who is to represent this groups identity to others. forms of voicing and representing African Americans is ever more frequent , through Television, film, music and politics key individuals are created as 'icons' of that community. However, as with any group there are those who vary in class, education and social standing. Through these demographics are a fruitful source for film makers to recreate stories and with films such as 'Boyz in the Hood' (1991) and "Menace II Society" (1993. representing the dark, dangerous of urban gangland violence. this represented a mainly negative appearance of living and social conditions of African Americans at that time. However, with creation of "The Fresh prince of Bel-Air". Starring Will Smith as the Fresh Prince, this  took away this image of the Ghetto life and placed a character from the suburbs into a his families Hollywood mansion.. This was a new type of representation for African Americans, showed a comparison between a young, black, immature, urban street teen and  that of a well educated, rich black middle-class  Family. With controversial issues of race, money, education, sex and politics infused with comedy, music and dancing.

"From his father, who worked seven days a week running a refrigerator company, Smith inherited his work ethic. From his mother, a school-board employee, he derived the notion that "education is the elixir for all problems,"

This section of the article, reviles that the impact of having working class parents instilled a number of ethic views that remained with smith during his career. Establishment of a strong work ethic is regarded as a key American ideal. However when concerning the work ethic ideals of African-Americans, it has been show in the past that they were not considered part of this ideal collective. " at school when it came to the section on Negro History  'it was exactly one paragraph long' and told how the 'slaves....were lazy and dumb and shiftless (Malcolm X 1985 -Campbell and Kean page  92) then the high levels of unemployment of African-Americans in the 1960's. For a individual such as Will Smith, to encompass these beliefs about work and education is a representation of progressive black attitude and identity   

The focus on his work  is a key section at the bottom of the article; how he is not only an actor but works to achieve greater personal recognition   "He has built his global audience systematically: with each film, Smith introduces himself to a new people, often piggybacking on a local event that will attract worldwide attention." buy establishing a fan base in a number of countries, he is able to institute a mechanism that maintains his continued recognition for his work as well as high financial income. This

Through his acting Will Smith has portrayed a variety of different characters, both real and fictitious of different eras in different professions such as a struggling black single father (pursuit of happyness 2006), to Alcoholic superhero, (Hancock 2008) or a member of law enforcement (Bad Boys,1991) or Muhammad Ali (Ali 2001) by representing this variety of characters, he identifies some of the key individuals and groups that make up the growing sections of African-Americans. Although I could be argued that , while portraying these characters, Will Smith is alienated from the day-to-day goings on of average African-Americans, who don't live in Californian mansions, or are worth $200 million (2012) this aspects could lead to marginal alienation with fans. However, as and 'icon' he is someone to aspire to an appreciate for many people.

12 Years a Slave

12 years a Slave

Film Review

“the most vivid and authentic portrayal of American slavery ever captured on screen.”(Henry Louis Jr.)

John Ridley's screenplay adaption of Solomon Northrup's account (published 1853) of his life in slavery is regarded as on of the best visual portrayals of one of Americas taboo topics. Unlike other recent films about or surrounding the subject  of slavery, such as Tarantinos Django Unchained (2013). 12 years a slave shows the undergoing's individuals had to deal with in US slave states. from a first hand view,the tale solely tracks the beginning of Solomon's incarceration to his eventual release from bondage. With a variety of different filming styles and the easy to follow screen sequence Steve McQueen's graphic and emotionally compromising film gives those who view it a taste of slavery with great authenticity.

With an aim to create an easy to follow but emotionally impacting film, McQueen's delivery of the storylin, continually keeps the viewer aware of the journey of Solomon Northrup from his position of freedom and prosperity in Saratoge, New York through his  enslavement in Washington D.C. and throughout his different placement upon his arrival in the southern  states. Although consistent in his placement of Solomon, in most of the scenes McQueen , maintains a steady incorporation of other key individuals. This large cast of additional characters would in many other features potentially confuse the story line however with short but concise scenes of dialogue and action, the viewer is able to gain a clear idea of  'who' the character is, their role/significance to the story line and to some degree a feel for the personality of that character. Whether admiration, appreciation, empathy or cruelty, is presented the use of different emotions to help expose the clandestine lifestyles slaves had to deal with in order to survive. an example of this is the accounts of Solomon when describing how he had to withhold the knowledge of his ability to read and write from his master so as to not be singled out. 

The use of somewhat unknown actors to play protagonists such as Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o) or key characters as Solomon's wife (Quvenzhane Wallis)
those watching can gain a more authentic feeling from the film. With a limited ability to see them as professional actors, their representation of real slaves is more believable. This mirage is somewhat spoiled in my opinion with the entrance of veteran actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Micheal Fassbender and Brad Pitt. playing massively difference characters each with a varied attitude and view slavery, somehow prevent a truer presentation of such impacting individuals. The scenes in which Solomon (newly purchased under the coerced sue-denim of 'Plat'), is sold along with Patsey to Master William Ford (Cumberbatch) is a dark portrayal of the slave markets, then to see a well established actor,  better know as a London detective or a sci-fi villain and voicing  a deep southern accent  creates a skepticism in the viewers mind , Fassbender's sadistic Master Edwin Epps and Pitts nomadic, abolitionist Canadian personas are equally as authentically distant.

Slave culture is an important factor in the development of Solomon's journey. Generically understood events that occurred in the slave era such as whippings, lynchings, rape and muzzeling are presented often and graphically. as well as other less know restriction of tagging when off plantation, loaning to other plantations and  being subject to oppressive songs like 'Run Nigga Run!' (sung by Master Fords employee Tibbets) .. However, 12 years a slave does also show the forms in which slaves kept dealing with their position of bondage. Finding motivation from work gang songs in cotton picking and cutting cane (similarly presenting of modern day Ghetto 'Soul choir' themes), finding unity  in time  of sadness, revels a unknown side to life as a slave. Single frames of isolated scenery also emphasizes the isolation of the characters themselves 

12 years slave- a composition of modern British film making with variety and style portraying a US 19th century slave it is difficult to conclude on. I see it such a piece of reconstructed history that is "...forcing audiences to confront the dehumanising brutality of slavery, something few other filmmakers have been prepared to address." (Geoffrey MacNab- the Independent) 
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/12-years-a-slave-film-review-steve-mcqueen-forces-us--to-confront-the-brutality-of-slavery-9046111.html

Federal Writers' Project

James Goings (Ex-Slave) 

Volume X - Missouri 

Page 120

"'en we wuz all living pretty good.. plenty to eat, an clothes enuf. Dey wuzn't no scool out dere, an' I didden know nothin' 'bout reedin' ' bout writin." -  

This was an unexpected view to come across so early in the account of a slave living at the time of American Civil War.  With dwindling resources, in a  disputed border state in the (then seen) western frontier where agriculture was the main industry, that a slave could view his situation of bondage as "..living pretty good.. plenty to eat..". However, his understanding that his situation could be worse, i.e. if he lived in the deep south is unsepcified. 

The beginning of the interview was did provide some historic context to his situation as a slave . James Goings describes in the first paragraph of the interview, Who his mother was, "Teresa Cannon wuz my mammy. She belonged to old Dr,Cannon, of Jackson, when i was born." showing he was born like many others into slavery, and his father "Tom Goings wuz my daddy ; he lived on a near-by plantation"  it begs the question; why did this female slave receive the owners Surname specifically and His father who was from another plantation came to be his father , were they deliberately forced to conceive a slave child for some reason? 

Also, James also describes how he and his mother. are traded between owners, Dr. Cannon then Mrs Dunn (Female slave owner" '"Den Massa Lige Hill got us from her". 

The role of James on Lid Hill's estate which consisted of " bout twenty slaves on de place" near WhiteWater, is described by him as " I jes' done 'chores' carrin in de wood 'en water en' such like" showing that slaves where required to do heavy manual labour even at such a young age. James's  record was taken in the late 1930's and he claims to " I wuz 'bout ten year old wen de war wuz over..". That would make him 71 or more years old. So he would have been required to do physically demanding 'chores' at the age of ten years or younger.

The rest of James Goings account, surprised me greatly. Many other slave narratives, describe the  tale of the horrific field work,  punishments and the slaves living conditions. However, James's account focuses mainly on the effects of the civil war on his area of Missouri. Historical accounts of the civil war are mainly  from soldiers of the time, army associates and there are large amounts of records about the main battles fought in the central eastern states e.g. Virginia. However, the conflict in western border states such Missouri and Kentucky, was informal and badly recorded . So to gain a first person insight of the fighting and the results of the conflict by a slave was very unexpected. " 

James recollection of armed conflict in the area was simple, vague and short, but also deeply meaning full and unlike other civil war accounts  "There wuz a battle over at White Water, I didden see it , but i heard de shooting and seed some o'de wounded men"  as well as the fighting he also describes  how confederate soldiers came to the estate and commandeered/looted supplies from corn and  live stock, showing that the war was localized and affected the domestic workings of those civilians caught in the middle of it, slave and owner alike.

 the event of the confederate looters at first gave me an impression that James's master would be of a negative opinion of the confederate cause. However,  "Den word came dat de' Yankees (union men) wuz comin'. 'Old George (maybe another slave) was sent to take de horses to de woods'en hide 'em...." This shows how James master did not wish  for his horses to be takes by pro-union forces. Master Lige Hills allegiance is primarily down to him being a slave owner and would rather the pro-slavery Confederate cause prevail. 

The graphic description of the outcomes of confederate and union conflict is very daunting especially when described by a illiterate, uneducated slave, a man of limited or no agenda, recalling the events years later just from memory. "De Dead wuz laying all long de road an' dey stayed dere, too. In dem days it wuzn't nuthin' to fin' a dead man in de woods".  

His account of the war in Missouri continues describing the effect it had on the local population. "We often saw sojers on de roads, but dey didden bother us much, but de bushwhackers (informal pro-confederate militias) de' wuz bad." 

and how neighbors (Bill Noeman and his step-mother) of the estate came to the estate after suffering a raid by Bushwhackers 

"She had a print dress 'en sunbonnet, 'en dat wuz all she had left in de world." Why would James (a slave) , describe the situation of a local white women (probally a owner of slaves herself) in a manner that instills sympathy in the reader, and why he insights no opinion on the situation of the women other than comment on how their property was destroyed. 

James Goings account is one of complexity. his recollections of time as a slave child are simple but present a graphic insight into life as a slave living during the civil war. presenting memories of conflict and death with no bias to which sides actions could be deem as right or wrong. 

Illinois

Illinois 

The State of Illinois is located in the mid-west US. A one of the main industrial hubs of North America, during the 19th and 20th century's Illinois State and especially cities such as Chicago known as 'The Windy City' on the edge of Lake Michigan began to expand. Seen by it inhabitants as "microcosm of America" with a blend small towns to large densely populated urban metropolis.
With a lot of natural resources throughout the state such as coal, timber as well as large areas of good agricultural farm land Illinois has a good industrial to agricultural balance, referred to as the 'Corn state; or 'Garden of the West' Illinois is viewed to be a continually industrious area of the country.

The geography of the Illinois allowed it to become a trade center, its central location linked to surrounding states by the Mississippi river, allowing trade to flow south and import/export north to the Great Lakes then the Atlantic, It additionally has the largest concentration of water, land and air transportation facilities of any other place. Chicago, although not the state capital, is one of the most famous cities in the US, with 9.5 million inhabitants, and with it own cultural identity including world famous Broadway and Jazz scene (result of the 'Great migration') Illinois, industry caused and influx of immigrants from Europe and from with in the US. Irish, eastern Europeans and African-Americans amongst others form the key demographics of Illinois's population. unlike most of the US states, the settlement of Illinois did not originally spread east to west , French-Canadian settlers moved from the north-east and then settlers from the south up the Ohio river settled in Illinois. Now with 12.8 million people from a range of different races  and religions and with such a variety of vocation, Illinois is very much seen as a Microcosm of America.

Drug Over Dose in the USA Demographic

I chose to research how American states compared to each other in regard to number of deaths from drug overdoes. The number varied been states as well over a period of time. The increase going from 4 per 100,000 (1999) to 12 per 10,000 (2009) and the number . I originally believed this would result in a large number of overdoes from users of illegal 'street' narcotics. However, 60% of those who died in 2010 were believed to be from prescription pain killers, making me question how the availability of prescription painkillers in each state correlates to OD deaths, (New York and Texas, have very strict laws , requiring ID and other documents, compared to Florida which does not) and what why numbers are higher in certain states such as Florida,, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky  (which have some of the highest average number of elderly peoples, just an observation)  

This lead me to look at the comparison and correlation between the number of medical painkillers sold in each state to the overall number of OD deaths.  http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/painkilleroverdoses/infographic.html

This web page gives a comparison over a 10 year period http://knowmore.washingtonpost.com/2013/11/14/drug-overdose-deaths-have-quadrupled-since-1980/

America and Liberty

I was looking for a decent picture, of a map of the USA. As the shape of the country is itself iconic. As the 'continent county' is very recognizable due to its size and scale.
Then i found this picture which incorporates other iconic images of the US, that of world recognized corporations. Although many may see them as a topic of controversy, I felt that they express a key iconic concept of the USA, which is the growth, development and expansion of independent enterprises, that unlike in some other countries, are at liberty to grow domestically and globally with their own unique identity.





My next  image is the One and Only 'Captain America'....... The symbolic character of America as a tool of military intervention on behalf of liberty and freedom and democracy and the rest. However enveloped as a comic book hero, and the eventual development on to the big screen. The image of 'The perfect soldier' (athletic, strong, white and with a strict morale compass and all Red, White and Blue), giving a gentle and child-friendly perception of the US in regard to involvement in although (fictitious) military conflict. With the image of the US as a 'universal soldier' of liberty and one who only has to use lethal force if absolutely required to do so. (Cpt. America, only carries and shield and occasionally used small pistol , and very rarely kills anybody)