Icon Analysis [2-2]

Jo's Contemporary Icon Picks...

The image of the United States flag, the symbolic golden arches of McDonalds, and the character from the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants are recognized as three contemporary icons.



Readily recognized to stand for freedom, the U.S. Flag is frequently displayed, and its image is used as motif for decals, clothing, badges, and pins. It references the history of our nation, our government, and the personal liberty around which the emotions tend to run high(Struefert, 1994). The “m” in McDonalds is a permanently cemented letter symbolizing fast food (Gysler, 2007). Popular because the service is engineered to fit into our busy lifestyles, the big, yellow letter is widely recognized and loved by our children for their Happy Meals and indoor/outdoor playgrounds. Finally, how many of us (regardless of whether or not we watch the show) know the words to the SpongeBob theme song? The cartoon character known as “SpongeBob” was designed to appeal to adults as well as children. The overly optimistic sponge that annoys his fellow characters has maintained broad appeal from the absurdity of situations, the references, and the language used in the underwater life of Bikini Bottom (Time, 2009).

I chose “Old Glory” because it stands for nationalism and power. It mirrors freedom, confidence, and pride, and it is loved, respected, and saluted. The United States Flag is one of the most widely recognized symbols around the world. The golden arches of McDonalds were chosen because it has become a worldwide symbol and prominent in our way of life. Not many could forego the convenience and dollar menu prices! Finally, my favorite porous character that “lives under a pineapple, under the sea” has evolved from a Nickelodeon cartoon character to an international phenomenon. SpongeBob SquarePants has become an inspiration with cultural significance. Viewers can identify with the characters that they laugh at. Personally, I can relate to the sponge’s Naiveté’s and how the pop culture icon makes the simplest of things look complicated!


References:

TIME Online. (2009). Best and Worst Lists. The 100 Best T.V. Shows of All Time: SpongeBob SquarePants. http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651341_1659196_1652730,00.html

Gysler, Valerie. (12 December, 2007). McDonald’s and Pop Culture. Retrieved on May 24, 2009 from http://www.socyberty.com/Society/McDonalds-and-Pop-Culture.66076

Struefert, Duane. (20 November, 1994). The History of the Flag of the United States of America. Retrieved on May 24th, 2009 from http://www.usflag.org/history.html

Turnitin.com Submission: Icon Analysis [2-2] 05/24/09 – 0%

Weekly Written Analysis [2-1] Cultural Myths: From Knights, to Cowboys...to Nationalism.

The iconic figures of both the knight and the cowboy symbolize the broader thoughts and beliefs of today, while reinforcing both social and political principles. Both have flourished as icons, proving essential in the defining of ideas, ideals, and appeal.

The popularity of the medieval knights are linked to the behaviors of righteousness, defend and conquer, chivalry, and; of course, the kind of romance that appealed to the masses. Tales of knighthood have provided for a central icon to which England used to identify itself as a nation (Moskowitz, 2006).

Throughout time, the nationalistic figure of the legendary Arthurian Knights, have carried over to the American Cowboy. Vigilantly shaped by artists, authors, and political figures, both occupy similar positions as historical statures glamorized far beyond their horseman abilities.

The cowboy shared similar tasks of the knight. Representative of homesteading and pioneering the frontier, the American cowboy triggered the spreading of people from independent states and the growth of our nation. Romanticized as figures of the Old West, the cowboy is known to have tamed the Wild West and supported nationalism through his existence in neutrality (Moskowitz, 2006). Inherently, this stimulated the movement that brought our northern and southern states together.

From Knights, to Cowboys…to Nationalism evolved from the need to promote self-reliance and transitory qualities of hero’s past, and has shaped the kind of society we live in today. These icons continually affect the people we become and the way we view reality today. We strive to keep company with those deserving, endurance and courage to persevere, support of good citizenship, and to become successful. By extension of our nation, the knight and the cowboy are the icons that represent the desired image of America.

Reference:

Moskowitz, Jennifer. (2006). The Cultural Myth of the Cowboy, or, How the West Was Won. Americana: The Journal of American Popular Culture (1900 – present). Spring 2006, Volume 5, Issue 1. Retrieved on May 22, 2008 from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/journal/articles/spring_2006/moskowitz.htm

[Turnitin.com Submission: Weekly Analysis [2-1] 05-24-09 - 0%]

Weekly Analysis [1-4]

The pop culture topic I have chosen to discuss is the seminal video sharing site that took flight over four years ago. “YouTube” has become entrenched in the internet user’s mind-set and generated barrels of profit. The sharing site mirrors virtual interaction by means of camera manipulation. It embraces a user’s addiction for popularity and celebrity status, confirming that we have evolved into an entertainment culture.

Reflecting popular culture, YouTube satisfies the average person’s desire to be recognized while feeding the viewers curiosity. Broadcasting encompasses the concept of heroism by offering “five minutes of fame” for the exhibitionist through mini-webcast. YouTube Founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen created an online service that has had an enormous impact on the world.

Easily accessible to the masses and currently offered in twelve different languages, these presentations are not bound by to age, gender, race, income, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. Though criticized for drawing viewers to uncensored violence, hindered communication, lack of creativity, and manipulating our youth, the unsanctioned Google-owned site steadily grows. It keeps up with the times by continuously improving features such as high definition, upgrades, and new designs in order to maintain appeal and popularity.

References:

Fox Video. (2008, April 11). Shock News from Lakeland, Florida. YouTube. Retrieved on May 9th from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-YqVMpBBtM&feature=related

Kilgannon, Corey. (2007, February 13). Teenagers Misbehaving, for All Online to Watch. New York Times. Retrieved on May 8th from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/13/nyregion/13video.html?scp=4&sq=youtube%2C+15+minutes+of+fame&st=nyt

Long, Tony. (2005, February 15). YouTube. Wired. Retrieved on May 9th from http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/02/dayintech_0215

[Turnitin.com Submission: Weekly Analysis [1-4] 05-17-09 - 0%]

My Take on it... [1-2]

What is popular culture, and what does it mean to me?

Popular culture is the shared knowledge and practices that are common to a group of people at a specific time. To me, popular culture is the flow of generalities that shape and influence individuals and people as a society.

Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to me in a business environment and in my present and future career?

Understanding popular culture in a business environment encompasses the importance of persuasion, and is necessary in a market-driven ecomomy. Relevant to my present and future goals, discovering the effects of popular culture will reinforce my ability to target the impressions that will generate advertising profits.

What would I consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact, and why did I choose it?

My example of a pop culture artifact is the visual performance of "Streaking". It has been more than three decades since thousads of university students ran naked across a bridge in Georgia, and this performance quickly spread around the world. Some think it a fad, craze, or to be a right of passage. Regardless of the interpretation, streaking is commonly known to mean "clothing optional".

I chose this visual performance because I believe it to be inspiring and an important expression of freedom that served as a symbol of times past. It reflects our natural state, and affects cultural attitude, anxieties, fears, and feelings.

Though public diplays of nudity fall under societal indecent exposure laws, streaking is still prominant today, and can be found in movies, on television, at music concerts, town parades, at the occasional sporting event, and even on your own street after dark!

Pop Culture Artifact: