Assignment 2-2 Icon Analysis

When thinking of icons that have made an impression in society three that come to mind are Elton John, the television show Friends and the ever popular NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. These three are all very different from each other but are easily recognized by a song, character or a number.

Elton John has had an incredible career since the 1970’s and can be recognized for famous songs such as Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind. I had no idea who Elton John was until I spent time at my friend’s house as a kid. Her father was from England and was a huge fan of Elton John. From the time I was in third grade to now it never fails to hear an Elton John song playing at some point. I had it played at my wedding in honor of her dad who was not able to attend. Although I only know a few songs of his, his music will always be a part of my childhood.

The show Friends had a fantastic run on NBC for 10 seasons. This show can be considered an icon because it left mark on society and kicked off the careers for six actors who no one was that familiar with. The episodes are still being run on various channels and while there are no new episodes I am sure many people can sing the theme song while having flashes of the shows introduction going through their head. This has been and still is one of my favorite shows of all time.

When Dale Earnhardt Sr. died at Daytona in 2001 the NASCAR community suffered a great loss. He was a legend and an icon in the sport. His death prompted the initiation of head and neck restraints in the race cars. He was not only known for his famous number 3 but also as “The Man in Black.” He was my dad's favorite driver and his car was the first one I learned to recognize.He had a large following and while he may have been disliked by some he was loved by many. When thinking of NASCAR his career comes to mind and the fact that even though he had a full and successful run, it still seems that it was cut short.

These three icons may not mean much to other people but they always will to me. It is very interesting that while individually they are very different, they are each an icon of societies music, television and sports industry.