3 Contemporary Icons

Charles Chaplin is a comic legend. He has surpassed the level of celebrity and has gained icon status. His image will be forever associated with comedy.  The Simpsons are one of the longest running television shows, and is still currently on the air. Elvis is labeled as the king of rock and roll. He has greately shaped rock and roll music, and has entertained millions. Along with Charlie Chaplin Elvis has surpassed the level of celebrity, he is a rock icon.  All three are great examples of contemporary icons.

I chose Charles Chaplin as my first Icon because of his impact on the film industry. His slapstick comedy has accumulated millions, if not billions of laughs. Although his height of success was over eighty years ago, he is still considered one of the greats. He is one of my favorite actors and he will always have a movie shelf dedicated to him in my house.

I chose the Simpsons because of the effect it has had on the cartoon industry.  Cartoons no longer have to be just for children. In my household Simpsons have represented Sunday night for almost 20 years. The Simpsons have been enshrined into American culture.

Elvis’s influence on the music industry cannot be measured.  His home in Graceland has been open for tours since the 1980s and sees thousands every year.  It is recognized as a national historic landmark.  Elvis Presley is known worldwide simply by “Elvis” or ‘The King”.  He is one of the greatest examples of an Icon in American History. I have listened to Elvis since I was a little child and I will never stop.