A cultural icon can be an image, a symbol, a logo, picture, name, face, person, or building or other image that is readily recognized, and generally represents an object or concept with great cultural significance to a wide cultural group. A representation of an object or person, or that object or person may come to be regarded as having a special status as particularly representative of, or important to, or loved by, a particular group of people, a place, or a period in history.
In the media, there is an increasing trend for any well-known manifestation of popular culture to be described as "iconic", and it is now acknowledged that the word is overused. [1]
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[edit] Icons and persons
Human beings can acquire cultural iconic status through their actions, achievements, role, beliefs, convictions.
 Che Guevara, symbol of rebellion and revolution |
 Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of non-violence |
Iconic figures can emerge in social groupings (Gay icon, Pop icon), political parties, among fans of a particular sport or type of music.
Some images may be quite well known, though their name may not be familiar, or even the person depicted may be unknown, as is the case with La Gioconda. In other cases, a name such as Shakespeare may bring to mind a well-known portrait of that person.
[edit] Icons and brands
- Lessons from Cultural Icons - How to Create an Iconic Brand [1] suggests that brands can reflect societal values and changes, but many people have become weary of them. Many brands aspire to become cultural icons, but fail. Cultural icons are often timeless, imprinted in our consciousness. They can go through several stages, from "rumblings, undercurrents" via "catharsis, explosion" and "mass acceptance, ripple effect" to "glorification, representative value". While brands are rational and driven by features, cultural icons are emotional, free, driven by feeling, and creating emotional bonds.
[edit] Cultural icons worldwide
Cultural icons may be national, regional or related to a city. In addition, they can be symbols for a nation, or can evoke particular values held by that state. For example, France uses Marianne as a symbol of the French Revolution and the rejection of royalism in favor of republicanism and laicity.