American Automobile
US culture - automobile (product / perspective)

The automobile is seen around the world as a symbol of American culture. It is loaded with meaning and can be seen from many different points of view. What could a deeper examination of the way Americans view the auto tell us about perspectives in the US?

 

Activity:

1. Brainstorm : Why is the car important to you in your own life?

 

 

2. Why do you think the car is so important in US society?

 

 

3. Is the automobile as important in other societies? Examples? Why?

 

 

4. Historical background - How did the automobile become so important in the US?:



Depression era:


©Horace Bristol


©Dorothea Lange



Post Depression:


©Detroit News Library


Drive-in ©Detroit News Library


All American Food



Today: drive-up commerce


Fast Food


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Pharmacy