Uncle Sam is a common national personification of the U.S. Federal
Government or the country in general that, according to legend, came into use during the
War of 1812 and was supposedly named for Samuel Wilson. The actual origin is by a legend. Since the early 19th century,
Uncle Sam has been a popular symbol of the US
government in
American culture and a manifestation of patriotic emotion. While the figure of
Uncle Sam represents specifically the
government, Columbia represents the
United States as a nation. The image has also developed notoriety for its use in military
propaganda.
Parodies and hijacking of
pop culture icons, companies logos, brands, and popular
slogans.