After World War II, increased car ownership led to a surge in traffic as families journeyed to California's iconic sites like the Grand Canyon. Businesses along the route flourished, and Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and adventure.

Route 66 attracted traders in small and large towns, generating new income. As the road became busier, supporting businesses grew, especially along the highway.

However, the rise of modern highways led to Route 66's decline. President Eisenhower, influenced by Germany's autobahn, supported the construction of new highways in 1956, replacing the once-bustling Route 66. Despite its disappearance, Route 66's legacy lives on as an iconic symbol of American road trip adventure.

Many films and books, such as "Cars" and John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," are based on Route 66. Steinbeck's book tells the story of a family migrating from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, hoping for a better life. Route 66 was widely used during this period.

Although Route 66 no longer exists, many still travel its historic path. It has become a tourist attraction, with adventurers driving the route and tour companies offering guided trips with stops along the way.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0bA72fjHMQ

• https://www.nps.gov/articles/route-66-overview.htm

• https://route66gems.com/famous-movies-and-books-featuring-route-66/

Area 51, a secret military complex in the Nevada desert, has left an indelible mark on the American society. It has become a source of fascination and speculation in popular culture, leading to countless films, TV shows and books.

The secrecy surrounding Area 51 has also led to a wealth of conspiracy theories about alien life and advanced technologies. We are told the area is being used to test advanced military technology, which in turn contributes to America's security and defense. Because the military and the workers at Area 51 keep everything secret and they are not even allowed near the area (even not with drones), it has become a social and political issue. Many feel that there should be no secrecy in a democracy.

Tourism around Area 51 areas has been significantly beneficial to the economy. This has led to a tourist attraction. Area 51 has caught the attention of people around the world and has sparked discussions about things like how open government should be, how technology is developing, and how the government treats its citizens.

• https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-known-and-not-known-about-area-51

• https://www.space.com/area-51-what-is-it

• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49568127

Rodeo plays a central role in American society by embodying traditional cowboy style and showcasing skills such as horse riding and lasso throwing. Rodeo not only attracts spectators but also benefits the economics of many small towns and villages, where it attracts tourists and supports local businesses.

Moreover, rodeo connects people: families and friends come together to enjoy the games and festivals. Rodeo has also made its mark on pop culture, with frequent appearances in films, books and music, making it an iconic part of the American identity.

Rodeos are increasingly criticized for animal cruelty. The intense riding can cause injuries to horses or bulls, ranging from broken bones to internal organ damage, torn tendons, and ligaments. Some riders resort to using unethical devices on the animals, such as electric prods, which make the horses anxious. Unfortunately, there aren't many laws and regulations providing protection for these animals. Advocacy groups are pushing for stricter rules and even bans in some states.

• https://www.britannica.com/sports/rodeo-sport

• https://www.prorodeohalloffame.com/rodeo-events/

• https://aldf.org/article/rodeo-facts-the-case-against-rodeos/

At its core, Hip-Hop is characterised by its emphasis on rhythmic speech patterns, known as rap, which often addresses social and political issues, personal experiences and life in the city. Rap music is accompanied by beats produced by DJs, who use turntables and sampling techniques to create rhythmic tracks.

Hip-Hop culture is deeply rooted in the experiences and struggles of disadvantaged communities and serves as a platform for self-expression, resistance and empowerment. It has also influenced fashion, language and popular culture and shaped mainstream entertainment and media.

The music industry has undergone a true metamorphosis because of Hip-Hop, with rap music becoming the most successful genre. It has created more diversity and inclusiveness, especially for artists of different backgrounds and colours.

Contemporary Hip-Hop is known for names like Kanye, Eminem, and Ice Cube, and has more impact than it ever had. Social media boosts creativity and exposure, ensuring Hip-Hop's limitless growth. Through social media, Hip-Hop reaches all over the world, providing interaction with fans, extra promotion, or discovery of new talents. Whereas before Hip-Hop was only known in the poorer parts of urban America, now it has grown and is known all over the world.

• https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/hip-hop/hip-hop-a-culture-of-vision-and-voice/

• https://www.britannica.com/art/hip-hop

• https://siriusxmmedia.com/insights/celebrating-50-years-of-hip-hop-and-its-undeniable-impact