Up Next
Back to Show
Iconic America
Why Did Cowboy Movies Leave Women Out of the Picture?
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.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
The Golden Gate bridge is an engineering marvel that symbolizes America’s can-do spirit.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:38
As the nation wrestles with its past, the fate of Stone Mountain stands in question.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:08
The story of how the Bald Eagle soared to its vaunted perch in American iconography.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
A look at The Statue of Liberty's evolving meaning as symbol for a “nation of immigrants."
55:24
The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic.
55:11
The Gadsden flag has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:35
A look at the L.A. landmark that became an international symbol of the American dream.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:27
No ballpark is more iconic than Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox