Popular Culture: Icon Analysis

There are a number of great contemporary icons of today's time. A few of these would include Micky Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and also Big Bird. Mickey Mouse has been a household name for more than 80 years. His creator, better known as Walter Disney, created Mickey Mouse as an inspiring airplane pilot. As times changed, so did Mickey Mouse's character into a lovable, free-spirited cartoon. When Winne the Pooh was created, kids were able to associate bear as 'loveable and huggable'. Associated with Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin also became a name which was often linked with Winnie. Lastly, Big Bird was created by Sesame Street in 1969. The television show aired in homes across the country for toddlers and young children, which showed a large (8" tall yellow bird) who sang and taught children the alphabet.

Each of these icons has had an important role in teaching children may things. The icons have been around for a number of years and two were the creation of Walt Disney, one of the most recognized people of the twentieth century. Growing up in the 1980's, I watched the Mickey Mouse club and dreamt of one day being on the show. I watched Big Bird on Sesame Street and felt as a part of the cast as I acted out the alphabet with Big Bird singing with me. And as of Winnie the Pooh, I loved reading about him and his adventures with Christopher Robin.

As each of these icons have played an important part in my learning and also creating an ability to play without care, and dreaming of sunny days without clouds. Reading more intensely about Winnie and the journeys with Christopher Robin as I watched what they would get into next. Lastly, I chose Mickey Mouse since I always believed in what he stood for and the good natured charm that he possessed. One day, I will make it to Disney World and have my picture take with one of my favorite childhood icons.

Each of these characters has played an important role in my life. From reading about the various adventures, to wondering what will Mickey do next, each icon demonstrates a different time within my life. With the history of these characters and how I associated them with my life, it will be something I will always cherish and pass on to my children.