Thursday, May 28, 2009

Assignment 2-2: Icon Analysis

Contemporary icons have an immense placement in today’s society. This is a very broad topic indeed, but I have chosen to narrow it down to animated television sitcoms. There are three icons in particular that I have chosen to analyze. First, is a sitcom called Family Guy. It was created in 1999, but cancelled twice after its release on Fox Network. However, there was an outcry from the viewers and it was returned to the air. Second is The Simpson’s, which is a sitcom that has depicted a dysfunctional middle class family for more than two decades. Not only has it been crowned the 20th century's best television series, but it is also the longest running American sitcom. Lastly, is the quirky sponge at the bottom of the sea who is reffered to as Sponge Bob Square Pants. A fry cook sponge in the little town of Bikini Bottoms, is one of the highest rated childrens television sitcoms.
I have chosen Family Guy as a contemporary icon due to its re-appearing sitcoms. After being cancelled in 2000 and again in 2002, Family Guy boosted back on the air due to DVD sales and the massive amount of viewers watching reruns on a different station. Family Guy was the first show returned to the air based off DVD sales. An icon is referred to as one who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol. It took great devotion in order to keep this icon continuous.
The Simpson’s was selected on the basis of outstanding achievment. To be deemed the longest running American sitcom, the show had to hold a great deal of admoration in its viewers. I believe this shows a great deal of diligence and servitude. There has always been a long standing controversy over the views and opinions expressed in the sitcom, but it has always kept its ground on holding the personality of the characters.
Sponge Bob Square Pants has been a much viewed sitcom in the presence of my own home. This sitcom qualifies as an eminent symbol of a contemporary icon. Not only does this show capture the attraction of children, but also manages to reach out and grasp the teenage and adult viewers. There is a lot to say about a concept that can embrace such a genre of viewers.
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5 comments:

  1. Jennifer GoedelMay 29, 2009 at 10:16 PM

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  2. Jennifer GoedelMay 29, 2009 at 10:18 PM

    I love that you picked cartoons as your icons. As both a child and an adult, I will admit that I love cartoons. I often joke that I am so glad that I have kids so I don’t look ridiculous going to an animated movie. I think cartoons represent our youth and our attempt to hang onto it. They are making more cartoons with both children and adults in mind. If you watch some of the animated movies, you will notice that there are adult references made that we get, but thank goodness our kids don’t. I don’t think I will ever outgrow cartoons!

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  3. farrej2978May 31, 2009 at 8:16 AM

    The internet has allowed a couple of shows to be brought back after being canceled. I think Jericho was brought back after the show's fan base started an e-mail campaign to bring it back, but the ratings still weren't very good, so they ended up canceling it again.

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  4. KellyMay 31, 2009 at 8:26 AM

    I know every episode pretty much of Spongebob. Thanks to my two youngest who I think that was their first words. lol. Spongebob is a pop culture icon and I dont think he is going anywhere.

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  5. AnonymousJune 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    I also choose spongebob as an icon because of how popular the show has been and also the fact that my son and I love to watch it together. The simpsons was a great pick because it has been popular for many years and continues to go strong. I did not know family guy when canceled and then put back on, that definately says that people could not get enough of it.

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