America couldn't find the man...
In Easy Rider, references to stability come to signify the shackles of conservative society, problematizing the film's overt rebellion.Rebelling against America is generally frowned upon today... after all, America is just such great place one should be thankful to live here. Because America has always been idealized, even before it became 'The United States of America,' as an historically unique place because it was a place where anyone could be free, people immigrated to the country in search of all different kinds of freedoms. Wyatt and Billy, already living in the country, I think they went out to "find America" meaning that they were looking to find the freedom that many others came here looking for.
I think that a parade is the perfect symbol for America. Many Americans are extremely proud of this country, sometimes I think for interesting reasons. For example, we refer to America as "the most powerful country in the world"; we had to create the term World Mega-Power because World Super-Power wasn't enough. People are often proud of having "undefeated" and powerful armed forces, when in my paradigm we have the most destructive history in that area.
Many Americans are braggarts... and that is exactly what kind of celebration we see in the parade. Pride and grandeur (the audience doesn't know exactly for what) celebrated much in the way we celebrate our country. So when the boys find the parade, I'd like to say that they find America which doesn't accept their presence like other Americans in the film and throws them in jail.
There were many scenes showing the disdain of Americans towards the long-haired cyclists. They can't rent a motel room, they can't march in the parade, they can't eat in a restaraunt in peace. They (and their traveling) are accepted only by the character George, and the road. George is killed by Americans because he is with Wyatt and Billy, but I can't exactly decide what I think of the road accepting them. It doesn't really fit into any theories I have right now. If anybody has any ideas they should definitely post them.
I'd like to say that as the two of them set out to find America (Freedom) that they are already free. They are free to travel. They already feel free to dress and act the way that they like. I believe they couldn't find America because America and it's people couldn't find them.
---I also have a random thought. Wyatt only wears his helmet during the short segement right after they pick up George. Because his helmet has a flag on it... I'm pretty sure that means something. I just haven't thought enough about it yet. I'd really like to hear any ideas.