Icon Analysis (assignment 2-2)

Three contemporary icons that I would like to discuss are the show “Good Times”, pop star Michael Jackson, and the expensive jewel diamonds. Good Times was a television show that took place in the early 70’s and casted an African American family dealing with issues of that time. My second icon I chose was Michael Jackson. He started out in a group called the Jackson Five with his brothers. Eventually he became a solo artist and worked his way up to a world renowned pop start icon. He grew up in an abusive home where he was forced to grow quick and abandon his childhood. Due to his lack of being a child he grew up to be child like and connected to kids. He used his fame to help children world wide. The last icon I chose was diamonds. Diamonds are a stone that can range in price based on the four c’s (clarity, cut, carat, and color). They have been around for years and can be often tied to being a luxury stone.
I chose the show “Good Times” based on the fact that it represented the issues of African American and families living in poverty at that time. Many t.v shows today are very unrealistic and don’t emphasize tight nit families. Good Times casted the family living in inner city Chicago in the projects, which is something you would never see on tv today. Today tv tries to place a blanket over the viewer’s eyes as to what is really going on in the world. However, Good Times was a show that families could relate to because they were that family. The mother on the show Florida Evans, held the family together through her faith and belief in God. This is something that is rarely seen in television today. This show is symbolic to me because my family was this show. My grandfather worked hard to provide for his family just as James Evans did on the show. My grandmother was the spiritual one who believed through faith in God all things is possible. Good Times to me means family unity.

I chose Michael Jackson as an icon based on him coming about in the early 70’s and to the present he is still a legend. In the entertainment industry it is very common for people to come and go, especially as the pop culture changes and new generations come into the mix. I admire him for his strength and durability to strive to success despite his abusive relationship with father. He was born with a gift and he used that gift to help other children. He was an active sponsor and participant of Save the Children as well as the Make a Wish foundation. Michael Jackson to me represents selflessness. He represents what you can achieve in life through hard work and trials and tribulations. You can call him the iconic American Dream.

Lastly, I chose diamonds because they have several meanings depending on how they are used. For example a diamond could be worn to showcase ones wealth status, it also be given to someone as a token of their love and affection, and it could also be worn to symbolize marriage. Depending on where you are from in the world you opinion of diamonds could be frowned upon. Some people don’t buy diamonds because of the way in which they are dug up. Some South African diamonds are dug up by kids and adults who are forced to dig them up under cruel working conditions. So, depending on your view of diamonds they could represent several aspects. To me I like diamonds, but the ultimate diamond I am waiting on is an engagement ring. This is the most sought after diamond from women and men and probably if not most costly. As Marilyn Monroe said “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”.