The car has always been a symbol of American independence and freedom: one can explore the vast landscape (reminiscent of the Western genre and Western expansionism and conquest) and discover one's self through others. The increase in the production of automobiles and car ownership after World War II, coupled with government-subsidized road construction, ensured that more Americans would prefer the independence, control, and freedom of traveling on the open road.
Perhaps for this reason, the genre often connotes an alignment with masculinity where male desire and privilege take center stage. However, like all genres, it is constantly being redefined and evolving according to the cultural, social, and political changes of the time to include different voices and perspectives.
