Assignment 2-2: Icon Analysis

The three contemporary icons I have chosen are Superman, Lara Croft, and Popeye. Superman “is a fictional comic book superhero widely considered to be one of the most recognized of such characters and an American cultural icon” (Wikipedia, 2008, para. 1). Superman is for, as Grayson (as cited in the Superman Homepage 2008) points out, “The never ending battle for truth, justice and the American way.” Lara Croft “is a fictional character and the protagonist of Eidos Interactive's Tomb Raider video game series” (Wikipedia, 2008, para. 1). “Known as both an archaeologist and an adventurer, she frequently ventures into ancient, and often very hazardous, tombs and ruins” (Wikipedia, 2008, para. 1). Popeye the Sailor Man is a fictional hero “when fed up with this treatment or exhausted, he would eat spinach, which would instantly restore and amplify his strength to an even greater level” (Wikipedia, 2008, Fictional character biography, para. 4).

I feel all three icons represent the strength and endurance of America. All three icons have the ability to overcome any obstacles placed in their way, and to always come out of the situation on top. This is also, my favorite type of background story that is made into a movie. When Hollywood brings the characters to life from comics or video games with adventure and action packed scenes, these are always exciting to watch.

I consider Superman as a representation of what America stands for, strong, take control of situations in the world, and help people that are in trouble. Lara Croft represents the strength of women in today’s society. Popeye is the average guy that does not want to stick out and be noticed.

References
Caped Wonder (2008). Retrieved from
http://writeontheinternet.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/superman.jpg
Kollectable Kaos (2005). Retrieved from
http://www.kollectablekaos.com.au/images/7in-Lara-Croft.jpg
Superman Homepage (2008). Superman: Truth, Justice, and the American Way, 2000. Retrieved October 7, 2008, from
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/comics.php?topic=articles/josh-grayson1
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2008). Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Croft
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2008). Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popeye
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2008). Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman
Word Press (2008). POPEYE THE SAILOR. Retrieved from
holyname.wordpress.com/.../17/popeye-the-sailor/