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%]