They represent the Stars and Stripes.
Welcome to WatchMojo.com,
and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10 iconic Americans.
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you.
Ask what you can do for your country.
For this list, we've chosen ten people who we thought best represent the United States
and whose images are linked with Americana.
I know you like playing alone, but do you mind if I shoot with you?
Hard work made His Airness one of the greatest athletes ever – regardless of sport.
After triumphing over adversities like his father's murder,
MJ represented the U.S. with the Olympic Dream Team, took part in the national pastime,
and parlayed his brand recognition into endorsements,
an entrepreneurial career and acting roles. - Obviously.
Jordan capped off his career by returning from retirement – twice –
because nothing keeps the great Americans down.
An embodiment of the American Dream,
Oprah worked her way up from a difficult youth
to become one of the world's most powerful women and African-Americans:
I'm Oprah Winfrey, and welcome to the very first national Oprah Winfrey show.
With her backing, any product or even political candidate can expect a surge in support.
Recognized as the media force that popularized the talk show and confessional TV,
Ms. Winfrey is also credited with breaking cultural taboos and bringing spirituality to the mainstream.
Whenerver you're being hit upside the head, and you can't undestand why,
the first thing you say is 'thank you for it'.
Because you know that your faith is so strong, that whatever it is,
it is only there to teach you more about yourself.
Baseball is America's national pastime,
and the Bambino saved and transformed the game.
With multiple records and one of the first spots in the Baseball Hall of Fame,
the Sultan of Swat was one of the greatest to ever grace the field.
But, it was his charming, extroverted and friendly personality that made Babe a folk hero
and the first athlete to combine sports and celebrity.
A leader in the African-American fight for civil rights,
Dr. King personified the ideas of racial equality and peaceful protest.
I have a dream.
Leading the charge with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington and more,
he did everything in his power to see his version of the American dream become a reality.
Unfortunately, his beliefs made this Nobel Peace Prize-winner a target,
but that only strengthened his resolve.
And I've seen the promised land.
This Founding Father was a top mind, with experience in writing, politics, music, and more.
A symbol of American ingenuity,
the man nicknamed The First American is famed for his scientific advancements and inventions,
which include bifocals, the Franklin stove and – essentially – electricity.
With his contributions to the Declaration of Independence,
Franklin is also known as a witty, ethical man dedicated to civic duty,
whose image stays with us today.
His position as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War
stood him in good stead
when he became a Founding Father and the first President of the United States.
Renowned as an exemplary politician, a war hero and the man who shaped the presidency,
this unifying figure presided over the drafting of the Constitution,
and today is honored with monuments and memorials as the 'Father of the Country'.
Charming, eloquent and young,
JFK modernized the presidency and ushered in a New Frontier.
The Kennedy family was known for its wealth, nobility and political acumen,
and was as close to a Royal Family as the United States ever had.
Following his Naval career,
Jack entered politics and subsequently led the country through crises,
inspired the American space program
and guided the nation towards racial equality before his untimely assassination.
Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike,
that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.
She never held office, won the Nobel Prize or built a country,
but Marilyn embodies Americana like no one else.
The original blonde bombshell, Monroe followed her dreams
and achieved greatness as an actress known for her talent and sex appeal.
Her romantic relationships with other American icons like Arthur Miller,
Joe DiMaggio and JFK increased her celebrity,
but it was her accidental death that intensified her mystique.
By making the rock sound his own,
Elvis became the first white artist to capture the feel of black music.
His greased hair, curled lip and swiveling hips lit up the big and small screens,
while the King of Rock and Roll embodied American ideals, including commitment to country.
By endearing himself so completely to his legions of fans,
Elvis ensured himself a life after his premature death.
Known as the Great Emancipator or simply Honest Abe,
this Republican Party stalwart ascended to the presidency on the promise to end slavery in America,
and led the nation through the turbulence of secession and the Civil War.
Despite his assassination by a Confederate spy, Lincoln’s image is recognizable to all,
with his towering frame, top hat and honest eyes coming to exemplify morality,
fairness and American ideals.
- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.
Do you agree with our list?
Who do you think best represents the Red, White and Blue?
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