Pop icon
A pop icon is a celebrity, character, or object whose exposure in popular culture is regarded as constituting a defining characteristic of a given society or era. The usage of the term is largely subjective since there are no definitively objective criteria. The categorization is usually associated with elements such as longevity, ubiquity and distinction. Moreover, "pop icon" status is distinguishable from other kinds of notoriety outside pop culture, such as with historic figures. Some historic figures are recognized as having reached "pop icon" status during their era, and such status may continue into the present. Pop icons of previous eras include Benjamin Franklin[1] and Mozart.[2]
"Pop star" redirects here. For other uses, see Popstar (disambiguation).Distinction[edit]
Often pop icon status implies distinguished association with a societal ideal or archetype. It is not uncommon for iconic figures to have a nickname or sobriquet that is used to emphasize this association. Sometimes the very name of such individuals is even used as a synonym for common words or ideas.
Some fictional characters, such as Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse,[12] Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, Snow White, Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, James Bond, Darth Vader, Doctor Who, the Simpsons,[12] Harry Potter,[13] Mary Poppins, Mario, Kermit the Frog, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pikachu, Alice,[14] Willy Wonka,[15] and Sherlock Holmes are regarded as pop icons. Even inanimate objects have been recognized as pop icons.[16][17][18]
Some figures attain transitory or context-specific "pop icon" status for particular events that captivate public attention, such as in the case of the O.J. Simpson trial.[19]