The following is a compilation of items to be included in a time capsule to represent America’s legacy.

1. America’s
Cultural Legacy
v
The following is a Compilation of Items to be
Included in a Time Capsule to Represent
America’s Legacy
Presented by Kathryn A. Stern
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2. Levi’s Blue Jeans
Levi’s blue jeans represent a long
tradition of high quality, American-
made products. When jeans became
popular in the 1950s they appealed
to a rebellious youth. Today, jeans
are an interesting dichotomy
between durable work-clothes and
high fashion.
Even though blue jeans are a distinct
American symbol, they are now a
global commodity. I once asked my
German grandfather why he never
owned a pair and he replied that
only young Americans wore them.
Blue jeans are representative of
America’s casual culture and our
history of rebellion.
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3. Disney Movies
Disney is the flagship of American
entertainment and is an economic
powerhouse. To begin to understand
a time period in America, one can
start by watching a Disney movie
from that era. For example, the
1940s movie, Dumbo, depicts social
conflicts through its use of African-
American caricatures.
Aside from its controversial past, I
would argue that Disney is valuable
because it teaches millions of
children about love, friendship, and
perseverance. As well, these movies
have inspired many generations to
use their imagination.
Source
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4. Bottle of Coke
For over a century, Coca-Cola has
quenched the world’s thirst with its
brown, sugar water. Its successful
branding also makes it the most
recognized American product.
Unfortunately though, the company’s
large-scale production leads to
negative externalities with lasting
implications.
On the other hand, Coca-Cola is also
an economic staple that provides
thousands of jobs around the world.
My mom was employed by Coca-
Cola and I developed an appreciation
for the financial stability and
opportunity it created.
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5. NASA Photographs
NASA’s efforts have inspired
individuals to pursue careers in
science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics. This government
agency stimulates economic growth
and advances frontiers. NASA not
only enables people to dream about
tomorrow, it also helps those
dreams become a reality.
In elementary school I was asked to
write a report on an inspirational,
historical figure. I chose Sally Ride,
the first woman in space. Even
today, I admire her courage,
intelligence, and ability to push
boundaries. NASA’s efforts are
representative of the pioneering
spirit of America.
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6. Ford Model T
The Ford Model T mobilized the
middle class by enabling people to
travel further for work and leisure. Its
success created not only a need for a
national highway system, but also for
more environmentally friendly modes
of transportation.
I believe that the independent nature of
Americans, coupled with our addiction
to the freedom that cars allow, has
contributed to the demise of our
planet’s health. It is important for the
Ford Motor Company to become a
socially responsible firm that mitigates
the negative externalities.
One positive aspect about the Model T
is that it inspires technological
advances and is still the benchmark for
automotive success.
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7. iPhone
The iPhone is not just a form of
audio communication; it is also a
camera, newspaper, and computer.
This multipurpose gadget has both
negative and positive implications on
our everyday behavior.
Americans have become addicted to
their smartphones, and it is not
uncommon for face-to-face
interactions to be interrupted by a
text-message or a Tweet. However,
smartphones can easily connect
friends and family. Instead of just
hearing someone’s voice, you can
have a live, video conversation or
instantly share a photo. iPhones
make the important things in life,
such as staying in touch with those
you love, more attainable.
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8. A Football
Although the title of “America’s
Pastime” is given to baseball, the
more popular sport may actually be
football. Each week, Americans
gather with family and friends to
watch football and root for their
favorite team. Football is also
closely associated with major
holidays such as Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Years.
The most coveted event in football,
the Super Bowl, occurred during my
birthday weekend on three different
occasions. As an avid New England
Patriots fan, I was ecstatic to
celebrate both my birthday and my
favorite team’s Super Bowl victory
simultaneously. Americans are more
passionate about football than any
other sport.
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9. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby depicts the
corrupt and immoral lifestyle of
wealthy Americans in the 1920s.
The characters in the novel
destroy the American Dream—
success achieved through hard
work—by pursuing material
wealth instead of happiness.
This novel remains relevant today
because it teaches readers that this
behavior is neither noble nor
fulfilling. There have been six
films created about the The Great
Gatsby and I believe that its
popularity is due in part to the
importance of the American
Dream.
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10. The History of
Barack Obama’s
Presidency
The most positive accomplishment
in recent American history is the
election of our first bi-racial
president, Barack Obama. As a
nation, we are slowly redefining
how we view America. We not
only integrate and appreciate other
cultures, but we also embrace
individuality.
Recently, President Obama said
that “the true strength of our
nation comes…from the enduring
power of our ideals: democracy,
liberty, opportunity, and
unyielding hope”. These ideals
cannot be captured within a time
capsule. Instead, I hope that the
history of our first bi-racial
President will represent those
values and America’s cultural
legacy.
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11. Thank you for
viewing my
presentation!
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12. Image Sources
Slide 2: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_215NG_qKOew/ShD5-XgtbRI/AAAAAAAAEy8/eq_TyknS0Tg/s1600-h/levis.jpg
Slide 3:
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/walt-disney-characters/images/32053265/title/walt-disney-
screencaps-walt-disney-castle-photo
Slide 4: http://weheartit.com/entry/23820881
Slide 5: http://grin.hq.nasa.gov/IMAGES/SMALL/GPN-2001-000012.jpg
Slide 6: http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Design/Gartman/D_Casestudy/Henry_Ford.htm
Slide 7: http://9laughs.com/do-you-mind-if-i-strap-your-phone-to-my-head/
Slide 8:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1109/nfl-classic-photos/content.1.html
Slide 9: http://www.pagepulp.com/2369/many-covers-of-the-great-gatsby/
Slide 10: http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2012
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