What or who is iconic? Why? What shared meaning do icons hold for us?
According to Peirce, iconic signs "resemble their object in some way." The book tells us that this definition considers paintings, drawings, comics, photographs, film and television images iconic. Later on in the reading though, an icon is described as an image that refers to something outside of its individual components, something that has a significant symbolic meaning for many people. Icons can represent a concept, emotion or meaning. Something that is culture specific or represents an era or area may be seen as iconic or as something of a greater meaning. These things become iconic to us because they are perceived as implying something deeper or more meaningful.
From the text:
“Icon is an image that refers to something outside of its individual components, something (or someone) that has great symbolic meaning for many people . . . Image icons are experienced as if universal, but their meanings are always historically and contextually produced.”
Find a print advertisement (magazines are usually best for this) that uses an image icon.
1. What or who is the image icon?
The image icon is a well-known singer, Beyonce Knowles who began her career in the group Destiny's Child but became an independent artist a few years later.
2. What “universal” concepts, emotions, and meanings does it/he/she hold?
Since the beginning of Beyonce's career she has been projecting the image that she is a "fighter" and a strong woman. She gives off the impression that she is very independent and she is in charge. She has been a powerful influence for young girls who want to follow in her footsteps and become independent. Her music lyrics usually have lines that are empowering to females, "I'm a survivor, I'm going to work harder, I'm going to make it."
3. How does the advertiser connect these to the product/service being sold?
The advertiser uses an image of the singer standing tall with a microphone and spotlights on her. She seems powerful and large in the image as if the product is made for independence whereas most fragrance ads that I have seen will have a sexual woman or a "damsel in distress." They use her persona to send the message that the perfume will make you a strong individual woman.
4. Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
It does not persuade me because I do not like Beyonce but it does send me the message that this particular fragrance is meant for stronger women.
According to Peirce, iconic signs "resemble their object in some way." The book tells us that this definition considers paintings, drawings, comics, photographs, film and television images iconic. Later on in the reading though, an icon is described as an image that refers to something outside of its individual components, something that has a significant symbolic meaning for many people. Icons can represent a concept, emotion or meaning. Something that is culture specific or represents an era or area may be seen as iconic or as something of a greater meaning. These things become iconic to us because they are perceived as implying something deeper or more meaningful.
From the text:
“Icon is an image that refers to something outside of its individual components, something (or someone) that has great symbolic meaning for many people . . . Image icons are experienced as if universal, but their meanings are always historically and contextually produced.”
Find a print advertisement (magazines are usually best for this) that uses an image icon.
1. What or who is the image icon?
The image icon is a well-known singer, Beyonce Knowles who began her career in the group Destiny's Child but became an independent artist a few years later.
2. What “universal” concepts, emotions, and meanings does it/he/she hold?
Since the beginning of Beyonce's career she has been projecting the image that she is a "fighter" and a strong woman. She gives off the impression that she is very independent and she is in charge. She has been a powerful influence for young girls who want to follow in her footsteps and become independent. Her music lyrics usually have lines that are empowering to females, "I'm a survivor, I'm going to work harder, I'm going to make it."
3. How does the advertiser connect these to the product/service being sold?
The advertiser uses an image of the singer standing tall with a microphone and spotlights on her. She seems powerful and large in the image as if the product is made for independence whereas most fragrance ads that I have seen will have a sexual woman or a "damsel in distress." They use her persona to send the message that the perfume will make you a strong individual woman.
4. Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
It does not persuade me because I do not like Beyonce but it does send me the message that this particular fragrance is meant for stronger women.
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