Why do cultural icons make powerful images? Is it simply that everyone relates to them? Or is there something deeper that captures the imagination? Perhaps there is something else that stimulates our thinking...
I think it's just that with one image, you can evoke a powerful response in someone. In the image you refer to, I think that this evokes proud American and Patriotism. The Statue of Liberty would also evoke a similar response. But they can be negative as well, such as a swastika, or even mixed, such as the image of a confederate flag. So I guess I'm trying to say that cultural icons can make for more emotional responses, thus will be more powerful.
Would you consider Prince William and Miss Middleton cultural icons? I have seen a lot of photos of them recently because of their wedding. The emotion that these pictures evoked for me was happiness, because I thought it was very nice to have something happy in the headlines and on the nightly news. I'm not from England, but I was still happy for them.
I think it works both ways, the cultural icon brings a certain emotional connection to some images making them more than just a sharp photo of a bird of prey.
At the same time you don't get to be a cultural icon if you aren't impressive or an aspirational subject. Would an earthworm ever be a cultural icon? Or a shrimp? So the subject that earns a place as a cultural icon will inherently be attractive and photogenic.
@aj1268 I think you are right. They have a sort of inevitability about them. They become iconic because they are associted with something strong, then they maintain thier strength because they are embedded in the consciousness of thier culture.
@ukcam I am interested by your comment and I think I agree. However, I am not sure how the Leek became one of the cultural icons of Wales if you are right. That one aside I think the iconic symbols in a culture probably are aspirational - that is an important point. Yes, aspirational things are probably nearly always photogenic. But some things can take on a negative light.
The comment that @aj1268 made is right too. The idea that a Swasticka was once a symbol of aspiration is now, probably, repugnant to most people - it is to me. However, it is difficult for me to untangle that one. The simplicity and geometry in the swastika as a drawing is pursuasive. I think without the negative connotations I might have said it was beautiful. So in effect it is still photogenic. In that respect it is still a powerful symbol albeit a negative one by todays standards.
@davidchrtrans nice try, does that really count as a cultural icon or is it a mascot of a seafood company (took some Googling to find!). I think if you're going to make a mascot of an invertebrate you probably would have to resort to cartoons rather than photography...
I find @netkonnexion 's comments about leeks interesting - the origin of that symbol is lost in the mists of time, but there's also the thistle as a cultural symbol not far away. Sometimes what appeals to one generation might not have the same resonance to others.
@ukcam Nah, it was an attempt at a joke. This guy is on TV here in Spain every year around christmas time and your mention of shrimp reminded me of him. ;-)
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At the same time you don't get to be a cultural icon if you aren't impressive or an aspirational subject. Would an earthworm ever be a cultural icon? Or a shrimp? So the subject that earns a place as a cultural icon will inherently be attractive and photogenic.
The comment that @aj1268 made is right too. The idea that a Swasticka was once a symbol of aspiration is now, probably, repugnant to most people - it is to me. However, it is difficult for me to untangle that one. The simplicity and geometry in the swastika as a drawing is pursuasive. I think without the negative connotations I might have said it was beautiful. So in effect it is still photogenic. In that respect it is still a powerful symbol albeit a negative one by todays standards.
I find @netkonnexion 's comments about leeks interesting - the origin of that symbol is lost in the mists of time, but there's also the thistle as a cultural symbol not far away. Sometimes what appeals to one generation might not have the same resonance to others.
Yes, you are right about the generational thing. I need to think about that one. Good observation.