These three individuals now have a lasting place in history: President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jackson. They're fascinating and inspirational. They are trailblazers who have greatly impacted our world. They are admired and impressive, and they represent something larger than themselves. For this reason Michael Jackson will be remembered for his musical genius despite his personal and legal troubles, and President Obama will be remembered for being the first elected African-American United States President, who both electrified and inspired millions, and Oprah will be remembered for her transparency, and personal connection with millions of viewers long after her show ends. These icons are globally recognized and have transcended age, race, and nationality.
Motown founder Barry Gordy called Michael Jackson, “the greatest entertainer who ever lived” and Colin Powell referred to then candidate Barack Obama, as a “transformational and inspirational figure”, and Oprah Winfrey has been called a ‘cultural icon for the neoliberal era’ by author Janice Peck (The Age of Oprah, 2008). The article “The Masks of Mickey Mouse – Symbol of a Generation (Brockway, 1989) identified numerous reasons for the continual fascination with Mickey Mouse. Likewise there are numerous reasons these three icons will have lasting appeal.
I cannot describe the enormous sense of pride I felt when Barack Obama was elected our nation’s 44th President. This proved to me that anything is possible in America. If you’re a Michael Jackson fan, you were indeed a part of the shock and devastation of his untimely death. Oprah Winfrey is a dynamic woman I greatly admire. She’s inspired me to live my best life.
These individuals are my personal icons because Michael’s music makes me smile and dance, Oprah makes me think and reflect, and President Obama’s election challenges me to reach for the stars…
Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama for President. Retrieved on January 13, 2010 from http://www.guardian.co.uk.
Motown Berry Gordy pays tribute to Michael Jackson at Memorial. Retrieved on January 13, 2010 from http://www.examiner.com.
The Age of Oprah: Cultural Icon for the Neoliberal Era. Retrieved on January 13, 2010 from
http://www.paradigmpublishers.com/books/
Brockway, R.W. From Journal of Popular Culture 22, no. 4 (1989). The Masks of Mickey Mouse In Browne, R. B. (pp. 79-88).
You couldn't have picked better people to represent American Icons as well as historical figures! All of the people that you choose have been inspirational to me as well. All of them are strong people who have and will continue to make changes and will have a place in history. They will continue to inspire and transform America. I enjoyed reading your blog.
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