What one piece of culture best explains America?

We asked 17 columnists to find out.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story July 11, 2023 Some pieces of culture — deliberately or not — are so revealing, and capture so much of a country's essence, that they can practically be read as foundational texts. FROM OPINION Illustrations by Braulio Amado See our columnists' picks. → Sign up for the Opinion Today newsletter Get expert analysis of the news and a guide to the big ideas shaping the world every weekday morning. Get it in your inbox Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018