Abstract The paper asserts that George W. Bush is a culturalicon who embodies the positive and negative aspects of American culture. The paper explains why political strategist Karl Rove crafted a public image of Bush as an icon and as a compassionate conservative, pro-life Christian who supports family values, is pro-military and is a tax cutter. The paper contends that this image has been shattered because of his criminal incompetence, reliance upon systematic deceit and abuses of power unparalleled in American political history. The paper includes source material.
From the Paper "Initially, this strategy of presenting Bush to the American public as an icon was very successful, for conservative voters have always longed for an iconic leader who symbolizes positive American traits and characteristics. President Ronald Reagan fulfilled that longing a generation ago and has been deified ever since by conservatives as the ideal American president. For the same reason, George W. Bush was groomed and marketed to the public during his two terms as governor of Texas as the conservative heir of Ronald Reagan, and that effort continued throughout the early years of Bush's presidency."
Abstract An examination of the effect of Elvis Presley's career and life had on American society and culture. It discusses how his music transformed rock n' roll not only in how it sounded but also in his appearance and sexuality. It further looks at his movie career and how he influenced musicians and entertainers including Madonna.
From the Paper "Elvis Presley openly acknowledged that black musicians and their unique blend of soul and blues were a major influence in his career. He grew up in a poor household in the rural South. He understood the problems faced by the poor in the South, many of whom were Black. He listened to their music, visited their clubs and bars, and brought their musical form to the attention of the world when he blended it with his country blues."
Abstract For better or for worse, we live in a branded world. We are at a time in history when brands go beyond being business platforms to becoming symbols of our times. Brands like McDonald's, Sony and Budweiser often reflect the changing values of our society. Brands are more than just advertising, they are part of our culture. Andy Warhol and Campbell's? Soup. Norman Rockwell and Coca-Cola? (Lomsky-Feder & Rapoport, 32). One of the most enduring popular culture symbols and common household item is the PEZ dispenser. Invented in 1927, this unique form of candy is associated with popular icons of nearly every generation, multiple companies world wide and is the subject of thousands of web-pages devoted to the product, its nostalgic aspect, and the collecting of dispensers. PEZ dispensers and the consistent recipe of the candy itself, once designed simply as a smoker's breath mint, are now one of the most identifiable icons world-wide. It is the purpose of this paper to explore the history and importance in pop-culture of PEZ.
Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon that is "The Simpsons" which is currently the longest-running animated television series. This paper explores the inspiration behind Groenig's amusing yet dysfunctional family which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. The writer of this paper contends and explains how and why Homer Simpson should be considered an American icon. This paper proves that Homer Simpson represents America's moral majority. This paper delves into how Groenig's concept of the "The Simpsons" symbolizes cultural America in the 1990s which explains the show's long-running success. This paper analyzes the character of Homer Simpson who according to the writer represents the typical all-American dad and husband.
From the Paper "This basic argument of this report is that Homer Simpson represents the typical American father and husband as anti-hero. He makes a lot of mistakes as a character and is no ways perfect, in fact being very much the opposite of perfect in an exaggerated way. He gains the status of icon not through being heroic, but by being fallible and vulnerable to external problems. The rise of the anti-hero in American society was a twentieth century phenomenon. When people watched television in the fifties there was an Ozzie and Harriet ideal that wasn't really reflected in society, and this and other circumstances led to the formation of a new culture in the mid twentieth century which particularly valued the fallible or human hero, or anti-hero, as a sort of shock to the system."
Abstract This paper explains that American icons are a symbol of things that the society holds in high value and that are desired by the masses. The paper discusses Jim Morrison, the lead singer of the innovative rock group "The Doors", who, alongside the culturalicons of decades past, holds his ground firmly and with a true rock-n-roll flair. The paper contends that Morrison has many traits that can be identified as truly iconographic and he is the embodiment of American myths and values, both in his life and in his death.
From the Paper "Many people mistakenly believe that mythology is dead and an aspect of ancient culture that no longer exists in our society. However, mythology of our culture is being written (and rewritten) every day, the heroes and heroines of today's mythology may also be known as American Icons. An American icon is defined as someone who has transcended popular or celebrity status to become a true mythological figure with "cultural significance that goes beyond any particular qualities he... might have." (Maasik & Solomon) American icons are a symbol of things that our society holds in high value, and that are desired by the masses. An American icon is a symbol of the American Dream itself in some way, and by giving esteem and power to these icons, Americans reinforce the belief that important values and goals are both active and attainable, and everything is somehow OK."
Abstract This paper discusses the legacy of Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock." It specifically focuses on three areas of American culture upon which he had a tremendous influence. The paper discusses his exposure of African-American musicians to the white, American public, his role in influencing a liberalization of American culture, which allowed other culturalicons to succeed and the awareness he created of the perils of drug addiction through his premature death.
Table of Contents:
Presley Opens Doors For African American Musicians
Presley Helps Liberalize American Culture Drug Addiction
Conclusion
From the Paper "Culture critic David Marsh once wrote that "Unless you understand that Elvis Presley was more than anything a spiritual leader of our generation, there's really no way to assess his importance, much less the meaning of his music."20 Indeed, Presley's impact on American culture was transformative. Through his music, which was heavily influenced by black artists, he exposed white America to a new group of performers. By testing social boundaries, such as how America perceived sexuality, he helped liberalize American culture, opening new avenues of discussion and launching new trends in music. Finally, through Presley's tragic and untimely death, he allowed America to have a serious discussion on the perils of drug abuse and how, if left unchecked, it can threaten the lives of even our most valued national treasures."
Abstract The paper explores the meaning and the significance of the use of sexuality in Madonna's art. The writer focuses on two important and often contradictory issues: the use of sexuality in her music, videos and book publications as essentially a marketing and strategic device intended primarily to shock and manipulate the perceptions of the viewer or audience, and the use of sexuality as an integral and coherent part of her artistic intention and oeuvre. The latter use of sexuality is also considered in terms of its impact on modern culture and the way it challenges the social and cultural norms that entrap and subjugate both women and men. To conclude, the writer explains that a comprehensive assessment of sexuality in these works must include elements of both manipulation and artistic and social integrity. This paper contains a photograph of Madonna and an annotated bibliography.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Manipulation and Role of Sexuality in Modern Media Culture Madonna as Contemporary CulturalIcon Overview of Her Rise to Fame
Sexuality and Madonna's Early Life
Sexuality in Her Music and Image
Sexuality and Individual Freedom and Expression
Sexuality as a Marketing Tool
Conclusion: Reinvention and Hype
From the Paper "Popular music since the 1960s has tended to question these traditional sexual roles and norms and has interrogated the dominant sexual norms of the society and culture. Contemporary music and art has made use of sexual imagery and lyrics as a sign of rebellion against older morals and values that were considered to be hidebound and retrogressive rather than progressive. The youth culture and the emergence of modern popular and rock music were generally concerned with a central theme - the liberation of human consciousness and meaning from a world that had become overly materialistic and conservative and which prevented new and important expressions of feelings. Sexual images and lyrics in music were therefore essentially seen as form a rebellion against the status quo. It is within this context that the use of sexuality and sexual images in the works of Madonna should be considered."
Abstract The paper discusses how Albert Einstein's scientific genius rendered him the most famous scientist of the 20th century but contends that his intense humanism probably resulted in his status as a culturalicon. The paper relates that it is sometimes not realized that Einstein lamented his breakthrough in relativity and the splitting of the atom that permitted the Allies to create the atomic bomb that ended World War II and heralded our nuclear age.
From the Paper "Much rhetoric has been written on how scientific discoveries reshape a period and sometimes an entire culture. Gerald Holton notes that Einstein's scientific papers on relativity, statistical mechanics and quantum physics in the first two decades of the 20th century, "caused remarkable and sometimes quite unforeseen cultural transformations and resonances" (p. 125). Of course, Albert Einstein is credited with the theory of general relativity to revolutionize the sciences into the 21st century and the new orientation of relativity would strongly affect the social sciences, plus the world of arts and letters."
Abstract This paper looks at the Iconoclastic Controversy. The author talks about John of Damascus' defense of icons at a time when there was debate about whether icons should be used in worship or if they were idolatrous. The essay lists several of John's points and looks at both the positive and negative aspects of each point.
From the Paper "It seems that art is such a natural part of everyday life. It would be difficult to picture a world where art was not involved. From the flower pots outside on the window sill to the mounted picture in the living room, art pervades every aspect of our lives. It is difficult to imagine that there was a controversy over whether such type pf media should be allowed in a Church setting. The word icon usually describes "those religious pictures-mainly portable wood panel paintings-which have a prominent place in the life and worship of the Eastern Orthodox Churches" (Baggley, 1). The Iconoclasm controversy dealt with the debate over whether painted images of the Divine Christ were valid or idolatrous. Popular culture felt that the icon was a necessary part of their worship because it gave them a sense of understanding. It gave the worshipper a visual image of what he/she was praying to and so, made the person feel that his/her prayers were not futile and wasted. However, it was these exact beliefs that sparked the controversy, but also led to the writings in defence of the images. John of Damascus was one of the greatest Christian defenders of the iconodule position (Sch?nobon, 192)."
Abstract The paper comments that African-American culture has evolved significantly in the past two decades and while the overall socio-economic conditions of African-Americans within the United States have changed substantially for the better, their cultural and institutional instincts can only be subjectively understood. The paper states that one of the growing phenomenons of this era is the emergence of sports, not only as part of their cultural legacy, but as a defining factor in masculinity. This paper looks at the cultural phenomenon of black masculinity as it is defined through the evolution of basketball into an almost defining form of masculinity within African-American culture. The paper states that basketball has transcended the development of networks and social apparatus to become an institutional concept of identity for the black community. The paper notes further that not only has it impacted youth but it is in the process of redefining traditional African-American values and attitudes.
From the Paper "The unprecedented success of the Lakers' three championship runs had many consequences on the media, the players, and the youth culture that thrived on their heroes' achievements. Michael Jordan once jokingly told Chicago Tribune reporter Bob Greene, "The media's crazy, they never let you go. It's like once they start following you, there's no more privacy". Although Kobe Bryant and the Lakers did not garner the same media blitz that Jordan endured throughout his career, they definitely felt the glitz and glamour of public adoration. Kobe subsequently made twelve commercials for Reebok in the year after their first championship. He signed multimillion dollar contracts with four different companies including one with Adidas for 80 million dollars. Magazines from ESPN to GQ all fought to feature him, as his reputation and name became part of the image of American basketball."
Abstract This paper examines how the decades of the 50s and 60s are so influential on American culture today. It looks are the period of turbulent change and the icons of rebellion still visible today. It illustrates the classic television family as stable, happy and conformed to mores of the American family. The author demonstrates that both decades hold American ideals that are a result of the political reality of that time.
From the Paper "The 1950s and the 1960s had very distinct and indelible influences on present day America. The 1950's were the source of a great many classic American stereotypes. In contrast, the 1960's were a time of cultural upheaval and rebellion. Together, both of these decades helped to shape the music, culture, and political events of the 1990s and beyond."
Tags: 1950, 1960, usa, united, states, stereotype, cultural, upheaval, rebellion, music, culture, political, events
Abstract This paper provides an explanation of the history behind the development of the Barbie doll. It discusses how, from the beginnning, the doll was controversial and how it has been ever since. This paper argues that the Barbie culture is harmful not only to young women and girls, but also to young men. It states that women are not Barbie dolls, nor should they be.
From the Paper "The year: 1991. The occasion: My eighth birthday. My house was full of giggling third grade girls, and the pile of gifts was looming high near the cake. My parents eyed the mountain warily, knowing full well what the majority of the rectangular 13-inch boxes contained. They were inevitable gifts at that age. In fact, they were expected gifts at that age. I tore into them one by one, the bright bubble gum pink flooding my senses, as Barbie reared her perfectly coiffed head. For a female child in America, or a female child, period, Barbie is an unavoidable influence on development, both physically and mentally. I was to become a statistic?by the year 1996, it was reported that 99 percent of girls between ages eight and ten had at least one Barbie, while the average girl had eight (Rogers 13). Though the Barbie doll was created with good intentions, and though proponents today continue to fight for her rights, today Barbie does more harm than good for her followers."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the manner in which various values and cultural traditions can impact an individual's or group's beliefs, attitudes and actions with respect to their day-to-day existence. The writer contends and explains how cultural differences affect communication, interaction and actions amongst different people. In an environment where little cultural diversity exists, it is likely that cultural differences will have little or no impact on human relations. This paper also discusses the issue of cultural differences in the workplace. Cultural diversity can lead to conflict as well as collaboration within the workplace, depending on whether or not people are willing to embrace people that are culturally different. This paper examines the impact of cultural diversity in the classroom, where teachers are being asked to become more culturally literate so that they can better address the needs of all their students, rather than the few who fall into one or two categories. This paper also explores the issue of students with varying cultural backgrounds that have different perceptions of learning and communicating and the manner in which their needs are met.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis of Cultural Traditions and Human Relations
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Cultural differences even impact students in the classroom. More and more teachers are being asked to become more culturally literate so that they can better address the needs of all their students, rather than the few who fall into one or two categories. Students with varying cultural backgrounds have different perceptions of learning and communicating, thus may have a difficult time achieving in a classroom that does not recognize their cultural differences and methods of learning. For students to be successful in a culturally diverse environment, teachers must work to improve communications and the methods they use to teach, to ensure that they are addressing the needs of a diverse population. To understand how cultural differences impact human relations one must also understand what culture is."
A review of the articles "Theories of Culture" by Roger M. Keesing and "Marking Boundaries - Culture as Category Work" - Qualitative Inquiry by Anne Ryen and David Silverman.
Abstract This paper discusses articles by Roger M. Keesing and Anne Ryen and David Silverman on what culture is, and how we study it, and see what is different in one culture, as opposed to a different culture, or in a small aspect of culture. The paper explains that Keesing seems to be more inclined to see culture in dynamic ways, as always changing or developing, or that has to do with thinking processes, where Ryen and Silverman discuss culture in more material terms that can affect how people of different cultures understand each other. The paper also discusses how Keesing looks at cultures as structural systems so that the scholar will look at how a culture or a structure began and how it continues to influence human life. The writer believes that Ryen and Silverman seem more tied up in how an outsider looks at a culture, the dynamics of importance of what go on between human beings, as individuals, as opposed to the cultural system that Keesing tried to understand. The writer concludes that both articles manage to get across the care that must be taken when researching cultures that are not one's own, but the writer feels that Keesing's work is still not out-dated.
Outline:
Introduction
Theories of Culture The Human Factor
Last Remarks
From the Paper "A culture may adapt because new technology or kinds of organization have come along, or it may change so that a people survive, as in cultures that begin to conserve something so that they can survive in their environment. A desert people, for instance, may show a culture that is protective of water, does not waste water, or whose art shows themes of happiness as the coming of the rain, or safely getting to a place where water is available. Keesing then begins to look at ideational theories of culture that have to do with cognitive systems and how people decide what is special, appealing or what must be done, as all can influence culture. (1974:77f)."
