Assignment 2-2 Pop Culture - Icon Analysis

Three contemporary icons are the Chevrolet Silverado, Apple Pie and the American Flag. All of these items represent what America really means, freedom.
The Silverado has a reputation of being a durable long lasting truck. It is built to outlast the other vehicles on the market. The Silverado has been on the market since I can remember. In my lifetime, every vehicle has gone through major changes for example; the S-10 was revamped into the Colorado. The Silverado, however, has remained pretty much the same except for a few tweaks here and there, mostly on the interior of the truck like more passenger room. This truck is a great example of an American icon which can outlast many changes and can be passed on throughout the generations. My father has a Silverado, I have a Silverado and my children will most likely be the proud owner of one also.
The apple pie is another icon rich with American pride. Everyone wants to make shortcuts and have the same outcome when it comes to different products. When it comes to the apple pie though, it is always marketed as “Mama’s or Grandma’s Apple Pie”. This is the image that people want when the purchase a store bought pie. Most American’s don’t have the time nowadays to prepare this dessert like Mom or Grandma should be so they opt for the next best thing. The apple pie represents the feeling of family. What family gathering would be complete without a pie from Grandma? I know that ours wouldn’t. My Grandma makes the most delicious pie and everyone gathers after every Thanksgiving just to get a piece of her pie.
The last icon I have chosen just happens to be the symbol of our nation, the American flag. The flag stands for freedom. Many people have died for their country and for its flag. When you see a television program on the news where people from another nation or country are holding a burning American flag, what feelings do you feel? I feel angry. It’s my flag they are burning. Another example of this is that I can make fun of my brother and tease him all I want, but if someone outside the family says the same thing, look out. This is the same concept. When I see the flag, I feel a sense of pride that I can express myself anyway I choose because of the many men and women who have sacrificed so much so that I can live anyway I choose. When someone from another country, who in all honesty is just jealous that I can live this way, burns my flag in some stupid protest to the president of the United States, I think they need a genuine American Butt Kickin’ to straighten them out. You don’t see me running around waving a burning French Flag just because I don’t like them do you?

Silverado Picture: http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2007/car/Chevrolet///35-40
Apple Pie Picture: http://thegazz.com/gblogs/bloginmysoup/2008/01/23/happy-national-pie-day/
Flag Picture: http://blog.mpl.org/nowatmpl/2008/07/