There is no single "great American movie" because the nation is too diverse.
There are many fine cinematic and literary works that shine brightly in the galaxy of artistic output, but because there are so many differing cultures flourishing in the country, it is not possible to establish a single work that defines everyone in America.
It may be true in other countries, where language, dialect and social groupings are similar enough so that a single production can speak to all segments of society.
That is not true, however, for America.
And this is what makes America great. Diversity, and the ability of the various groups to get along. For the most part, and in many parts of the nation, we can answer yes to Rodney King's question, which he posed while being arrested during the Los Angeles civil disturbances in 1992.
Moreover, that hope that we all can get along is being undermined by national politicians these days for reasons that are likely known only to them.
Meanwhile, the rest of us can enjoy the variety and diversity of cultures in the country by watching such movies as "Gone With The Wind," which deals with the American South around the time of the Civil War, or "The Godfather," which deals with Italian-Americans in New York City in the mid-20th Century.
Both are excellent, award-winning productions, each depicting a portion of American society at a particular time in the nation's history.
There are many others also, of course, dealing with differing cultural and social groups and the times in which they live.
So to search for a single production to provide an in-depth look at all of American society is pointless. There are simply too many groups and circumstances that society must deal with.
The beauty of America is that for the most part, we can and do get along with each other.
The sad part is that some deliberately try to foment dissension as a way of feeding their own desire for power.
The cure, then, is to remember that what really makes America great is its diversity.
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