Dolls, Magic, and Music

Pop Icon- is an image, symbol, logo, name, face, person, and etc. that represents a distinct era in popular culture. In our world today there are many icons of popular culture. I chose Barbie, Harry Potter, and iPod. All 3 are very different, but still are very significant.



Barbie is a major icon in the toy industry. She is manufactured by the company Mattel and made her first appearance in March of 1959. Ruth Handler created Barbie and named her after her daughter Barbara. Barbie was created to have an adult appearance. The first Barbie doll made wore a black and white stripped bathing suit, she called "Teen-age Fashion Model." Since then Barbie has been made to portray many different roles and ideas. She also comes in many different ethnicity's and styles. Ken was also introduced because Barbie couldn't be alone. Barbie has become such a huge success since the 1950's. She has dolls, movies, accessories, video games, board games, cars, doll houses, and the list goes on. There are also collectible barbie dolls. Barbie also influences other dolls to be produced. Barbie will be around for many more years to come. I'm sure every little girl will be pleased to know that.

Harry Potter, the name says it all. You can't think of popular culture without thinking of Harry Potter. What started off as a book series turned into a mega icon in popular culture. These fantasy novels were written by J. K. Rowling. The first book hit stores on June 30, 1997 and from there 6 more books were released. These books soon turned into an 8 movie series. They not only attract a young audience, but an adult audience as well. So many people look forward to these books and movies, that they are willing to wait in lines for hours and even days. They can't get enough of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and they're adventures through Hogwarts and defeating Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter continues to expand with video games, board games, dolls, and much more.

iPod's have become such a huge part of the music and technology industry. It was released by Apple on November 10, 2001. Since then so many people have converted from CDs and radio to iPods. It's an easy way to have over 1000s of songs and videos all in one little device. iPods come in many different sizes and colors. People can also download applications on these iPods as well. You are able to play games, text, video chat, email, and even take pictures on these devices. Technology just continues to come up with ideas to upgrade and make these devices even better.


I chose these icons because I live in a household full of kids and have siblings. They tend to know what's going on with trends and hot items in our world today. My daughters love Barbie and everything she markets from the dolls to her movies. I also grew up with Barbie and loved everything she had. I have many good memories playing with my Barbie dolls and I'm amazed how popular she still is. I will have to admit I was addicted to the Harry Potter movies. I never read any of the books, but am a big fan of the films. Something about those 3 characters that capture the audience. Of course who doesn't love music. Although I don't own an iPod because my cell does everything, it is definitely known how popular they are. I'm amazed by how my daughters who are only 7 and 8 can work these things. Very popular item when it comes to music.

Pop Culture

Pop Culture is the combination of interests and activities that a group of people share. These items include images, movies, tv shows, music, commercials, sports, toys, singers, and the list goes on. It is the ideas, attitudes, and perspectives of culture that people share. Pop culture can be and is so many things. It is very important in the world we live in because without it how would we express and introduce things to the world we live in.

Madonna is an artifact in pop culture. She has influenced the world with her music since the 1980's. She pushed the limits with her lyrics, dancing, and style. Some of her top songs were "Like A Virgin", "Vogue", "Papa Don't Preach", "Like A Prayer", "Express Yourself", and "Human Nature." She also entered the movie industry with Evita, Who's That Girl, and A League of Their Own. SO many artists today consider Madonna one of their major influences. They use her example to pave their own way through this industry pushing their limits in ways to express themselves. Her influences will forever continue on along with her music.                                        

Pop Culture to me is important because it influences a lot in our world today. I personally don't pay attention to everything that goes on with what's in. I tend to go with what I feel is in for me and what I like. Keeping up with what's going on in the world today is how businesses and people get ahead and stay in tuned to what's going on. It is a major way for people to introduce their ideas whether it is personal or business. Without it our world wouldn't be what it is today.


Elizabeth