An abundance of symbols add context in which to place the ice cream cone sign in this image. Ice cream cones are very American, and the scoops on the sign are embraced by the American flag. The other signs, advertisements in Spanish, symbolize the diversity of the American population, even in rural Oregon. Two other symbols offer contrast: an overflowing trash can suggests waste, while the shattered wagon wheel resting next to it symbolizes the darker side of the history of the American west. Taken as a whole, we can see American culture from both positive and negative views here.