Icons

Michael Jordan, Marilyn Monroe, and the peace sign are three examples of contemporary icons.  According to Michaeljordansworld.com, Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA.  He won 6 championships, 5 League MVPs, and 10 scoring titles.  Michael Jordan was awarded to be one of the top 50 players of all time, and has his own line of shoes and clothing apparel ("Michael Jordan Career Facts, 2012).  According to US History.com, Marilyn Monroe lived from 1926-1962.  She starred in 30 movies, started her own motion picture company, had ties with the presidents of her time, and won the Golden Globe Awards' "World Film Favorite" award ("Performing Arts, 2012). The peace sign is a circle that has a vertical line down the middle with downward sloping lines coming out each side. According to Teachpeace.com, the symbol was created in 1958 to symbolize a person with their hands down.  The symbolic meaning of a person with their hands down, is a person calling a seize fire (Teach Peace Moment:  Peace Symbol History, 2012).

Michael Jordan is a popular culture icon because he represents athletics;  More specifically, basketball.  Michael Jordan is considered one of the best basketball players to ever play the sport of basketball.  His popularity grew to such an extent, that his shoe and clothing line remains popular today.  People that are not familiar or interested in basketball know who Michael Jordan is, and he symbolizes the sport of basketball.  I chose Michael Jordan as an icon because when I think of athletics, Michael Jordan is the first athlete I think of.

 

Marilyn Monroe will remain as a popular culture icon mainly due to her beauty.  She symbolizes femininity, beauty, and high-class fashion.  Pictures of Marilyn Monroe can be found in many stores, and when thinking about beautiful woman, she comes to mind.  Her talent and looks made her an icon, and she will always be remembered.  I chose Marilyn Monroe as an icon because of her beauty.  When I think of a beautiful woman, I think of her.



The peace sign grew to be a popular culture icon.  The peace sign was used to promote peace during times of war, and conscientious objection. The peace sign developed into a hand gesture that was commonly used in protests and gestures against the war.  This is an icon that symbolizes a powerful stance, and the majority of the population is aware of its meaning and significance. I chose the peace sign as an icon because when I think of a symbol, the peace sign is the most significant.

  

References

Michael Jordan Career Facts. (2012).  Retrieved from  http://www.michaeljordansworld.com/the_facts.htm on January 12, 2012.

Performing Arts. (2012).  Retrieved from http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3712.html on January 12, 2012.

Teach Peace Moment:  Peace Symbol History. (2012).  Retrieved from http://www.teachpeace.com/peacesymbolhistory.htm on January 12, 2012.