Abstract
This paper examines what makes a scientist a cultural icon, beginning with Sir Isaac Newton and highlighting Albert Einstein. The paper further analyzes why Einstein became a cultural icon, noting the historical situation at the time and the impact of World War I.

From the Paper
"In the late 17th Century, Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest geniuses of all time, ushered in the Age of Enlightenment with his scientific work and methods. People began to believe that human intelligence would enable endless progress, so that humanity could achieve perfection and happiness. As the years went on after that, humanity's hopes were dashed, as it became apparent that human intellect could not compensate for, or prevent, man's inhumanity to man. By the early 20th century, people were witnessing the first great world war, and many must have despaired. However, Albert Einstein, a man whose stature rivaled that of Newton,..."

Tags:einstein, history, icon

Abstract
The paper argues that George W. Bush is a cultural icon who embodies the positive and negative aspects of American culture. The paper asserts that his political strategist, Karl Rove, has always been very aware of the vital importance of cultural aspects of politics, and crafted a public image of Bush that conveyed a cultural iconic status as a compassionate conservative. The paper discusses how Bush was marketed to the public as a responsible, family values, born again Christian who was for small government.

From the Paper
"George W. Bush is a cultural icon who embodies the positive and negative aspects of American culture. His political strategist, Karl Rove, has always been very aware of the vital importance of cultural aspects of politics, and crafted a public image of Bush that conveyed a cultural iconic status as a compassionate conservative. Bush was marketed to the public as a responsible, family values, born again Christian who was..."

Tags:george, w, bush

Abstract
The paper asserts that George W. Bush is a cultural icon 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."

Tags:religion, conservatives, symbol, stature

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
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."

Tags:Music, Rock n' Roll, Elvis, culture

Abstract
This paper explains how American cultural values are transmitted to the rest of the world through Hollywood cinema icons like John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Sylvester Stallone and Clint Eastwood.

From the Paper
"Icons are symbols or representations of values that transmit culture. Icons can be people, places or things, such as movie stars John Wayne and Sylvester Stallone to Disneyland, McDonald's and the Statue of Liberty. As Kroes argues, from the high rhetoric of its political ideals to the golden glow of McDonald's arches, from Bruce Springsteen to the Marlboro Man, American culture washes across the globe. Hollywood cinema is responsible for the creation and transmission of national icons that have transmitted American culture i.e., values around the..."

Tags:film, legend, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Katharine Hepburn, democracy, integrity, Horatio Alger, freedom.

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."

Tags:television, series, animated, simpsons, matt, groenig, perception, values, america, hero

Abstract
This paper provides an explanation of the history behind the development of the Barbie doll. It discusses how, from the beginning, 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."

Tags:body, image, doll, girl, controversial

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."

Tags:networks, cultural, institutional, phenomenon, championship

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 cultural icons 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."

Tags:doors, mythology, celebrity