Have you heard of The Beatles, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Simpsons? If not, what rock have you been living under? These are truly popular culture icons. They shaped our culture, entangled us in the battle of good vs. evil, and provided us with humor.
According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “The ‘Fab Four’ from Liverpool, England, startled the ears and energized the lives of virtually all who heard them. Their arrival triggered the musical revolution of the Sixties, introducing a modern sound and viewpoint that parted ways with the world of the previous decade.” They inspired the counterculture of “Beatlemania” and shaped the fashion, music, and politics of our culture.
In May 1984, the world was introduced to a group of terrestrial, reptilian brothers; Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Turtle power took over our imaginations while waging a battle between good and evil. It inspired a television series and three blockbuster movies (tmnt25.com, 2009). These brothers rid the world of small time criminals, crushed evil maniacs, and blasted alien invaders. They have recently celebrated their 25th anniversary and it doesn’t appear that these crime fighting turtles will be fading out of the spotlight. Cowabunga!
In 1989, the world was invaded by a yellow animated, dysfunctional family and twenty years later they are still here. Now the longest-running comedy in television history, THE SIMPSONS immediately struck a chord with viewers across the country as it poked fun of itself and everything in its wake. With its subversive humor and delightful wit, THE SIMPSONS has made an indelible imprint on American pop culture and has become one of television's most iconic families (thesimpsons.com, 2009).
The Simpsons. Retrieved May 26, 2009, from http://www.thesimpsons.com/index.html
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (April 2, 2009). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Kick off 25th Anniversary Shell-ebration in Native Home: New York City. Retrieved May 26, 2009 fromhttp://www.tmnt25.com/newsroom/2009/04/02/pop-culture-icon-turns-25.
Great choice of icons! The Beatles definitely defined the culture of their time and still have a huge fan base. I grew up watching TMNT and The Simpsons and they are still popular roday with new episodes being aired and movives released in recent years. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMelinda-
ReplyDeleteOk, don’t laugh, I have never watched the Simpson’s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, nor could I name any of the Beatles songs. Yes, I know they are all icons of our society, but I don’t have a personal experience with any. Yes I could identify by sight, the Simpson’s characters, and a TMJT , all because of the massive media they drew, but could not tell you a story line or plot to any of the shows. The Beatles have just never held my interest, although I do know they have a huge following still today. They were the first original boy band, and that concept continues today to hold an obsession over the generations. These are great choices, and I find it ironic that I’m not that familiar with them. Although, my children are obsessed with The Simpson’s, as they were with TMNT a few years ago. Maybe in a few more years they will discover the Beatles??
I used to watch the Simpsons when I didn't have cable. I have a friend who has all of the characters in his front room, and it's funny also because he loves the Beatles. He plays their albums while he sleeps. I wonder is there a connection?
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