Three popular culture icons for me are Barack Obama, Britney Spears, and Spider-Man. All of these icons are a symbol of independence. These serve as good examples because they have persuaded the way people think indirectly. Persuasion, however, does not imply that it was for a good reason or righteous cause. These icons will be remembered for a long time to come and have had an impact on me.
Barack Obama is the first African American president. This event to me is an immense accomplishment. Who would have thought that we would come this far? Barack Obama’s campaign increased the number of voters between the ages of 18 and 24. His words promised hope for an unsteady economy. I have not agreed with a lot of the choices made under George Bush, so it was refreshing to follow a candidate that shared many of my personal views. I think that Obama is taking a different approach to the presidency. While he is still fairly new in office, his press conferences express his dedication to truly solving the economic crisis faced by Americans.
Spider-Man is a superhero that has “spider senses” that allow him to stick to walls, and shoot spider-webs from his hands to evade and defeat his enemies. Spider-Man started as a teenager faced with typical teenage problems and grew into an adult juggling a family and adult responsibilities. He teaches himself how to use his special gift and handle the responsibility that coincides with his power. Spider-Man has become so popular that there are comic strips and movies. He has also been integrated into the New Avengers superhero group. Spider-Man presents a common ground for teenagers, but serves as an example that quitting gets you nowhere.
Britney Spears has been a focus of the spotlight for almost ten years. When she first left her mark in Hollywood she was an idol for teenage girls across the world. As she grew into an adult she continued to excel in her career. However, since 2004 Britney has been on an apparent downward spiral continually ridiculed by the media. Britney Spears has grown up in the spotlight and much like typical teenagers and young adults not all of their mistakes are plastered on the cover of magazines, and internet sites around the world. Britney Spears proves to people that celebrities are real people and they still experience hardships like any other person. The lesson to be learned is that all people deserve some privacy regardless of their popularity status.
Nice posting this week, and you mixed up the icons well. I think Barack Obama for me was an icon before he was a senator and now the PRES. The Abraham Lincoln National cemetery in Joliet, Illinois, was fought hard and is there today from his persistence and speeches, so for me he is an icon because my grandfather and father American Icons themselves are close and with other American heroes.
ReplyDeleteAs far as spider-man goes I think now everyone alive should know who he is. My 2 year old son does not quit yet talk but he can say "spidda mon" when he see's spidey on TV or his underwear.
Brit, we will see.
I think you chose three very well-known popular culture icons. I think Spiderman and Spears have been popular for so long. It's surprising that they both have such "staying power".
ReplyDeleteObama will obviously be in the news for a while. He has overcome long odds and it's great that we've seen history made in our time. I think you're right that he represents hope to many people. He has become a cultural icon, no matter if we agree with him or not. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
Your choice of these three icons was really good. I liked the how you described them and how they have stood up to the times. Obama has definitely made history if nothing else. Spiderman has been around for years. I remember reading comic books that were about him. the movies so how he handles problems. Spears has had her ups and downs. Unfortunately with her popular status nothing is private for her. She started out a a great teen idol but I am not sure about now. I don't think I want my girls following her footsteps. Hopefully she can pull out of her downward spiral and come back to what she use to be.
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