ICONS, ICONS, WHO'S GOT THE ICONS?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this image:
Now, what do you think about when you see this one?
Our feelings or thoughts regarding our 16th president may have immediately changed because of what has been added in the second photo. Both images depict a cultural icon, yet one makes more of a pop culture statement because of the inclusion of the cellphone. In the first photo, President Lincoln's image may convey thoughts of an American Civil War, Gettysburg, the North and the South. In the second photo, our eyes take us immediately to what is impossibly out-of-place for the time in which Lincoln lived, but is immediately recognizable because of its relevance in the majority of our lives. We relate to both pics; but our focus is drawn more to what we know and can understand on a personal level.
That, in a nutshell, is how pop cultural icons can have an effect on our perception of everyday facts about our society and individuals within our society. It may seem ludicrous to photoshop a communications device with a national leader who lived (and died) over 150 years ago, but the relevancy that he may have "taken a selfie" is relatable because of this image:
Pop culture icons remind us of the time in which we live. They provide a topical time frame that is understandable to anyone living within that period. I know that President Lincoln was a great leader. I know he was president during one of the most troublesome times in the United States. But the second photo of Lincoln conveys the suggestion he may have taken a photo of himself in the same manner as President Obama did during Nelson Mandela's funeral. And here' the thing: I CAN RELATE TO THAT. I can relate to wanting to personally document a momentous period in my life. There is power in understanding how icons such as described above can convey trivial or meaningful information both on a personal and professional level which is translatable across differing societal spectrums.
Regardless of whether we see this:
Or this:
Pop Culture Icons and images have the ability to relate, convey, and communicate a message, feeling, or time period that is incomparable simply because of the thoughts and/or perceptions those images portray . And that, dear bloggets, is magic.
Nancy Jane
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteAnother well written assignment. I think the 2nd Lincoln photograph was a great way of getting us to think about how we relate to what we know. I stopped to take a second look at the first photograph to make sure there was not possibly an object that I did not see at first. As you mentioned, just looking at the image of Lincoln brings thoughts of his involvement in many historical events. I think Obama got a little flack for taking a self picture during the funeral, but as you said; I can relate. As for Bieber, I do not get what he is about or his message, must be my age.