How O.J. Simpson burned the Ford Bronco into America's collective memory
The Ford Bronco initially was conceived and designed for rugged outdoorsy types, a two-door means of escape to nature from the bustling cities of mid-century America.
But it had already been tamed and polished for suburbanites, with cruise control and air conditioning, by 1994 when O.J. Simpson cowered in the back of one, a handgun to his temple, as patrol cars followed it for about two hours in the California twilight.
The model was discontinued two years later. But the Bronco — or at least that white Bronco — became one of America’s most iconic automobiles after the slow-speed chase on the Los Angeles freeways that played out on TV screens before an audience of millions, a moment that was seared indelibly into the nation’s cultural memory.
“Kids who were born in the 2000s, even they know that’s O.J.,” Marcus Collins, a University of Michigan marketing professor, said of his students. “It’s just as salient as me showing the Twin Towers on fire. It definitely became etched in the zeitgeist because of all the contextual associations that we applied to it.”
Related articles
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
NEW YORK (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s move into tennis will now include a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA2024-05-21China jails Canadian tycoon Xiao Jianhua for 13 years for finance crimes
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-21- With King Charles undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, and the Princess of Wales2024-05-21
Meghan Markle reads books to youngsters at Los Angeles Children's Hospital on Royal
Prince Harry and Meghan could start mending their broken relationship with the Royal Family if the D2024-05-21Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
The music world is in mourning this Sunday, with word that original Staind drummer Jon Wysocki passi2024-05-21Time for some Royal R&R! King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Aberdeen for a restful
The King and Queen have been pictured arriving in Aberdeen for a romantic break at their beloved Hig2024-05-21
atest comment