Icon Analysis

Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald was introduced on three separate television advertisements in 1963, followed by a huge first appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade starting in 1966!  He was nicknamed the "Hamburger Happy Clown".  Ronald McDonald may be the most recognized advertising icon in the world!  Something about this happy-go-lucky, hamburger loving clown just makes the world want to run to a McDonald's and enjoy their delicious food.  I chose Ronald McDonald because not only is he a worldwide recognized advertising icon, but they also started the Ronald McDonald houses after this character.  The Ronald McDonald houses are a facility in which parents can stay if they have a child in a nearby hospital in chronic care.  This character and popular culture icon stuck out to me because I recently had a friend whose son was in a very serious car accident and had to stay at a Ronald McDonald house for about 6 weeks.  I though it was amazing that one, single advertising clown could not only help with the major success of a international fast food business, but also to help give back to customers and all people in general.
 

Tim Tebow

My next contemporary icon is the one and only Tim Tebow.  Tim Tebow is now the quarter back for the New York Jets.  He played college football for the University of Florida, and won the Heisman trophy in 2007.  He was a first round pick in the 2010 Draft for the Denver Broncos.  Not only is he recognized for his amazing athletic skills, but more importantly for the way he lives his life day in and day out.  He is a man of god and he is not afraid to show it.  NFL fans are constantly reminded of his faith with his repetitive notions during games (as seen above).  Tim Tebow is one of the few athletes that has a very open spiritual life and even has a foundation meant to help the less fortunate.  He understands that he has a very blessed life, and wants to share the wealth.  I chose Tim Tebow because of all of the above.  He is not ashamed of his faith and knows that there is more to life than being a superstar quarter back.  He uses his fame to do good for others, and I feel that is a very noble, respectable notion. 

Facebook

Facebook was created by Mark Zuckerberg and his roommates while studying at Harvard University.  It launched in February of 2004, and now has over 900 million active users.  Facebook is an international social networking service.  It allows people from everywhere to connect with each other through posting photographs, updating statuses, instant messaging, wall postings, and even by uploading videos!  I believe that Facebook is a contemporary icon because it is everywhere!  All over commercials, the Internet, the radio.  Does anyone recall hearing, "Find us on Facebook at..."?  Facebook has exploded and keeps growing and growing.  Facebook is very influential on my life because I have a lot of family, and some of them live very far away.  But, with Facebook, I feel like we stay more connected by seeing their pictures, and them seeing pictures of my growing son (and myself) and everything that is going on in my life.  It is a comforting feeling knowing that most of my family is just a click away!