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Pop icon
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A pop icon is a celebrity whose fame in pop culture constitutes a defining characteristic of a given society or era. Although there is no single definitive test for establishing "pop icon" status, such status is usually associated with elements such as longevity, ubiquity, and distinction. Moreover, "pop icon" status is distinguishable from other kinds of notoriety outside of popular culture, such as with historic figures.
Longevity Usually, the pop icon status of a celebrity is contingent upon longevity of notoriety. This is in contrast to cult icons, whose notoriety or recognition may be limited to a specific subculture. Some pop icons have left a lasting and indelible mark in the area of their career, and then gone on to attain a lasting place of recognition in society at large.
Ubiquity A common element of pop icon status is the ubiquity of imagery and allusions to the iconic figure. It is common for the figure to be recognized and even celebrated in areas outside the original source of celebrity status. An example of this is Albert Einstein, a physicist whose image and legacy have been represented in comic strips, t-shirts, greeting cards and many other contexts.
Distinction Often pop icon status implies distinguished association with a societal ideal or archetype. It is not uncommon for iconic figures to have a nickname or sobriquet that is used to emphasize this association. Sometimes the very name of such individuals is even used as a synonym for common words or ideas. Einstein, for example, is routinely associated with genius and ingenuity. Marilyn Monroe is associated with sex appeal.
A number of pop icons are distinguished for having died at a young age. These include Rudolph Valentino, James Dean, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Jim Morrison, Bruce Lee, Kurt Cobain and Marilyn Monroe, among others. Other deceased celebrities cemented their status as pop icons by virtue of their role in captivating the ethos of their era, as is the case with Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy. Many still-living celebrities also attain the status of pop icon; solo recording artists such as Cher, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and Madonna, as well as musical groups such as Nirvana, U2 and The Beatles are examples.
Some pop icons, such as Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop, Mario, Lara Croft, Winnie the Pooh, Bugs Bunny, Shrek, Pikachu, Superman, Spider-Man, Batman and Homer Simpson, are fictional characters. Even inanimate objects have been recognized as pop icons.
Some figures attain transitory or context-specific "pop icon" status for particular events that captivate public attention, such as in the case of the O.J. Simpson trial.
ContrastsThroughout the history of popular culture, many popular music stars have been held as pop idols. The pop idol, however, is a broader definition than this, and acceleration of media has made Pop idols out of celebrities of many types. The 1980's was a big break out for pop music. During that time, the "King of Pop" had already been crowned to Michael Jackson, and the title of the "Queen of Pop" was given to pop/dance icon, Madonna.
Notable pop icons
See also
Further reading
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