The Character Project is an exploration of America, sponsored by USA Networks as part of their ongoing celebration of "characters." The project includes a traveling photo exhibition, with work from 11 photographers who traveled across the country, capturing the spirit – and character – of our country.

There is also a gorgeous book, published by Chronicle Books, with almost 200 pages of the color and black and white photos, and a foreword by seasoned character-observer, Tom Brokaw. Mr. Brokaw was gracious enough to take the time to chat with us about the Character Project and share his thoughts on how style relates to character. He even admitted to some style experiments of his own, back in the 70s!



StyleList: Mr. Brokaw, thank you for taking the time to talk today about the Character Project. Could we start by having you tell our readers about the project?

Mr. Brokaw: Well, as I say in the foreword, everyone has a different definition of character, but it's a muscular word that everyone understands, about honesty and being able to rely on someone.

The project began with USA networks. They wanted to do the right thing by reflecting the true nature of America, the individuals that make up the country and make us greater than the sum of our parts.

Our leaders are familiar figures. But out across American, the individuals make the system work. Every day they provide security, do good works, give us the strength that we need to carry on.

The goal of the project was to capture this character in portraits.


StyleList: How did you get involved in the project?


Mr. Brokaw: I had been thinking about how to capture this time, with our new president, and the feelings being generated across the country. Simultaneously, USA was working on this project, and they came to me and asked if I would write the foreword.

The book gave a form to my idea. I know this country very well, I've traveled a lot. As I looked at the photos, as everyone looks at the photos, these portraits speak to us about who we are as a nation.


StyleList: How do you think style and clothing shape the American character? Or to flip it, what role does personal style play in expressing your character?


Mr. Brokaw: I think it's one of the things that is so striking in a portrait. The power of a still photo is not to be underestimated. Character is hard to define, but you know it when you see it.

This country is not homogenous – we're a nation of immigrants, which makes America unique. This book of portraits represents that we're not all glossy paper cut outs, and people have come here from all over to pursue their dreams and ambitions without giving up their individual identification.


StyleList: Can someone be a character without having some sort of style?

Mr. Brokaw: I grew up in the 50's in small town America, where there was rigidity about how you should behave. The memorable people were the ones who marched to the beat of a different drummer.

I was getting my hair cut today and the stylist asked, "Did you ever have long hair?" And I said, "I went through that embarrassing time in the 70's when everyone had garish outfits and long hair!"

These days people are more stylish, they pay more attention to it, there isn't that boring sameness. Hip hoppers have generated new fashion trends in the city – I live in New York City, where you also see the establishment look, Wall Street. Then I go to the west and it's cowboy up time. In California, you might see surfers, or in the central part of the state, people who have been farming for years.


StyleList: In the book there is a whole range of styles, from wild hair colors and piercings, to a very dapper man in a three-piece suit, to kids in uniforms.

Mr. Brokaw: In a way, being a character and having character is being true to your style, having that authenticity.

After the Columbine shooting, we were doing a town hall in New Jersey. There was one student who had purple hair and nose ring, and other students belittled her. Teachers said she was bright and sensitive, but ridiculed, and that kind of thing that can lead to awful circumstances.

It's important that people can stand up and say this is who I am. The great thing about this country is that we have the freedom and latitude to dress and express ourselves.


StyleList: Which photo is your favorite?

Mr. Brokaw: I could never choose one -- I love going through the whole book because it reminds me of so many places I've been and times in my life.


Mr. Brokaw is hosting the Washington D.C. gallery opening reception for the exhibition, which will be held tonight, April 2, at Pepco's Edison Place Gallery. After a two day stop in D.C., the show will continue across the country, going to:

• Philadelphia: April 17–18 at Wexler Gallery
• Chicago: April 24–25 at Alan Koppel Gallery
• St. Louis: May 1–3 at Regional Arts Commission Gallery
• San Francisco: May 8–9 at Chronicle Books Headquarters
• Los Angeles: May 15–16 at ACE Gallery, Beverly Hills