Pop-Culture Icons

Stan Lee to me is one of the most prolific pop-cultural icons in today's contemporary society. Stan Lee's creations can be recognized in today's media almost instantaneously. Mr. Lee is responsible for the creation of such iconic characters in comic book literature, such as The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Fantastic Four, The Avengers, and the list goes on and on. These characters are present in almost every form of media in America today; and perhaps throughout the entire world. Everything from comics, blockbuster movies, video games, children's clothing, and etc. Through these characters though, Lee has poured deep complex and detailed personality traits and life lessons into everyone. One of the most well known is the every popular phrase " With great power, comes great responsibility." originating from the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series. The lesson of morality was true when conceived in the 1960's as it is today. Weather it be the Hulk's ongoing struggle with managing his emotions, to the mutants in the X-Men series overcoming genetic adversity in the face of a society that fears and hates them, Lee's creations have touched so many people in so many prolific ways, I believe his status of Icon is just earned.

For my second icon, I choose the amazing Pittsburgh Penguin Mario Lemieux. Well I chose old number 66 for a couple reasons. First reason being that the Pittsburgh Penguins rule, and no matter how much you want to deny it; it's as solid of fact as gravity. Second reason I choose Super Mario is not only is he a phenomenal hockey player but is a symbol of hope and determination, especially in the sense of betting the odds. Mario had to miss the entire 1994-1995 season due to his ongoing battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma, as well as ongoing health such as  chronic tendinitis of a hip-flexor muscle, herniated disc and other minor aliments. Through all the pain, the agony, and doubt; Mario kept fighting, kept playing and was eventually inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997. After his retirement from Ice Hockey, The Pittsburgh Penguins fell on hard times declaring bankruptcy in 1998. Only to have Mario lemieux buy the team and keep them in Pittsburgh. Today Mario is alive and well, watching over his precious Penguins from the elevated voew of the owners box, cheering his team on with as much heart as the day he skated onto the ice at the igloo.

My third icon of choice is the wonderful, the amazing, the spectacular...ME!

Hahahahaha, Just kidding!
My real choice is the political comedian Bill Maher. Whether you love him or hate him, there is just something about his calm, sarcastic, and condescending aura about him that invokes some reaction. For me it's usually laughter and agreement, but for some with other political beliefs and views the reaction can certainly get under a persons skin. I feel the Bill Maher not only gets a reactions but has a message to the American public. I believe that his message is that people should stop and think for themselves and not take themselves to seriously. I could go on and on about the impact of Bill Maher on the American public, but I kinda feel like it's more subjective from person to person. In any regards Bill has made an impact, one that I hope continues for future generations.

Thanks for reading.

All images taken from Google.com and wikipedia.com