Assignment 2-2 Icon Analysis

The icons that I chose to elaborate on for this assignment are: Uncle Sam, who was the driving force behind military recruitment starting in the 1800’s; the original Nike logo which is also associated with outstanding athletes such as Michael Jordan and college football teams nationwide; and Willie G. Davidson, better recognized as the mogul behind Harley-Davidson.

                               

            Uncle Sam is an icon that every American can recognize and associate with the U.S. Government and our military. I can remember as a child seeing posters with Uncle Sam, decked out in Red, White, and Blue, pointing his finger and saying “I Want You” all while looking me straight in the eye. What a true example of an American icon (Sam I am, 2007). 

            How often do you watch a sporting event on television or see a sport’s clip on the news and see the famous Nike swoosh. Even if you see the “swoosh” without the word “Nike” (which takes its name from the Greek goddess of victory) you know that they belong together. The Nike swoosh was born in 1971 which also happens to be the same year that I was born. I always have been athletic, so let’s just say I grew up with Nike. As a lifetime fan of Michael Jordan, the Nike name and symbol are a part of my pop culture icons dating back many years (Nike, n.d.).

            Riding a motorcycle seems to be a favorite past time for many especially with the warmer weather finally here. When most people think of a motorcycle, the brand that comes to mind is Harley-Davidson. The mogul behind the Harley-Davidson name is Willie G. Davidson, who is a pop culture icon from the 1960’s and was a driving force in saving the Harley-Davidson Motor Company from bankruptcy many years ago. Although I am not a motorcycle rider, I am a fan of Harley Davidson and truly enjoy the American made quality and unique sound associated with them (Motorcycle, 2007).

References

Sam I am: how a N.Y. butcher became America's most famous Face. (August, 2007). Retrieved July 7, 2011 from http://www.neatorama.com/2006/08/07/sam-i-am-how-a-ny-butcher-became-americas-most-famous-face/

Nike logo –design and history (n.d.). Retrieved July 7, 2011 from http://www.dinesh.com/History_of_Logos/Miscellaneous_Logos_-_Design_and_History/Nike_Logo_-_Design_and_History.html

Motorcycle and pop culture icon visits wheels through time (September, 2007). Retrieved July 7, 2011 from http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/latest-news/motorcycle-and-pop-culture-icon-visits-wheels-through-time.html