My three contemporary icons of popular culture include Elvis Presley, The Simpsons, and the Ford Mustang. These icons define major influences by our culture, which form popular ways to live life among several generations.
Elvis Presley is said to be the King of Rock and Roll in his day. He lived a prosperous life, ate a ton of food, consumed many drugs, and ultimately became incredibly famous. Presley had a great career and influenced many people with his music in his day. To illustrate how popular Elvis was, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gavea quote I find very appropriate. Statistically, he (Elvis) holds records for the most Top Forty hits (107), the most Top Ten hits (38), the most consecutive #1 hits (10), and the most weeks at #1 (80). Regarding his stature as a cultural icon, which continues to grow even after death, write Lester Bangs said it best,"I can guarantee you one thing- we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis." (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
My next icon of popular culture is the Simpson's. The Simpson's has been Foxs' most successful and long running show on Primetime television. The Simpson's family has been on endorsements for candy bars, featured on the front of the Popular Culture textbook, made the Simpson's movie and even has an attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. As a icon, the Simpsons are, and will continue to be a figurehead in the cartoon industry.
My final icon is the Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang is known to be America's popular muscle car. The Mustang has been in existence since the 1960's and is still being manufactured today. Its body styling has changed throughout the years, but is currently being brought back to a more 1960's vintage look. The Ford Mustang is a figurehead for american muscle cars, and has helped to shape the idea of what a muscle car should be, and consist of.
In conclusion, these three icons have shaped the way Americans think, laugh, and live their lives, which is why I believe they are exceptional icons of Popular Culture.
References:
Simsons image. Accessed on August 29, 2009.
Ford Mustang image. Accessed on August 29, 2009.
Elvis Presley image. Accessed on August 29, 2009.
I also chose the Ford Mustang. It is an awesome car and I think that Ford will continue to make it for a while because of how long they have been making it and because it is still a hot selling item.
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