Objects with social, cultural, or political associations at some point during their evolution?

Hi there, do you know of any objects with social, cultural, or political associations at some point during their evolution that aren't flags or guns or birth control pills?

e.g. like toilets - gender issues, blue light to prevent drug injections, Australian legislation that forces business owners to install dual flush toilets to lessen water waste etc.

I have to make a timeline about product evolution, explain the social / cultural significance of each, and then redesign the object to fit 3 different subcultures. Just can't think of a product to work with.