There are so many icons that come to mind when you really think about it. We have a very influential society. I have chosen three to discuss for this assignment: Madonna, The Beatles, and Shrek.
Madonna is a singer-songwriter, model, actress, record producer, and millionaire 400 times over. She has been dubbed: the "Queen of Pop" by the media. Madonna has sold over 200 million albums worldwide. Of her $400 million worth, she has donated upwards of $20 million to various children's charities. I believe her to be an icon because of her influence over the music industry. Many of her albums have been controversial but that did not stop her from being inducted into the Rock n'Roll hall of fame this year. Personally, Madonna is one of my favorite artists of all time.
The Beatles were a pop and rock group from England in the '60's and early '70's. They were a group of young men in their 20's who were trend-setters from the gate. Their clothing, hair, and style swept the world. The Beatles are the best selling musical group in the history of pop music. According to Rolling Stone Magazine (2004) the Beatles' innovative music and cultural impact helped define the 1960's and their influence on pop culture is still evident today.
Shrek is a fictional character from (in my opinion) some of the greatest children's movies of all time. He is a peace loving Ogre who lives in a swamp. Shrek tells a story in his movies that beauty isn't only skin deep. He sends a message to young children that no matter what you look like on the outside, everyone is worthy of love and deserves a chance to be seen for who they are. Shrek has appeared in promotional adds for such industry giants as M & M's and Wal-Mart. He also appears in an advertisement for the Department of Health and Human Services encouraging children to engage in physical activity. I believe Shrek to be an icon because of his notoriety among Americans and their children. In a very comedic and entertaining way he sends a positive message to our youth. I am sure he will be around for many years to come.
2 comments:
I totally believe that Shrek is a positive icon. Our children today are bumbarded with general cartoons sending messages of anger, hurt, and denial. It is nice to see such a positive message for our children. The Walt Disney and Paramount productions are not the problems, it is the Television networks.
I also agree about Shrek. He's the underdog we all want to see achieve. The most unlikely of hero's. Someone who's spent a lifetime of stereotypes and by kindness (at times) and his persistance to just be himself really pays off and is something a lot of American's and kids can look up to.
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