Smithsonian exhibit explores how entertainment shaped America

By John Dickerson.

Enter the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., later this week, and you'll be greeted by two friends: C-3PO and R2-D2, as they appeared in "Return of the Jedi."  When asked how visitors react to the "Star Wars" pair, Smithsonian curator John Troutman replied, "Well, I can describe my reaction: Stunned.

CBS News' John Dickerson asked, "In our larger American story, what do you think Star Wars did for us?".

"That's a great question," Troutman said.

Even our escapes from history are a part of our history, said museum director and historian Anthea Hartig: "Popular culture tells us many things about ourselves – who we want to be, how we treat our children, and how we treat our elders.".

Artifacts from "Star Wars" and Roots," which were both released the same year, show how America could be captivated by both fantasy and brutal reality.

Music curator krystal klingenberg said the yellow guitar was white in the film "purple rain," and was repainted repeatedly to match prince's ever-changing looks.

"Prince is a fascinating character who really married not only the mystery and the sexuality of the rock star, but also the virtuosity of the composer and of the musician," Klingenberg said.

"Selena becomes not only this story of incredible talent and promise, but also the tragedy of all that promise gone too soon," Klingenberg said

Prior to that, he was the co-host of "CBS This Morning" and served as CBS News' chief Washington correspondent and anchor of "Face The Nation." Dickerson is also a contributor to Slate's "Political Gabfest", a contributing editor to The Atlantic, and the author of "On Her Trail" and "Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential Campaign History."