Dracula

I believe that Dracula is an icon and I also believe he is a myth. Dracula is an icon because he has stood the test of time. He has been a major player in the horror genre and many vampire movies have spun off the concepts of Dracula. We all know that Dracula is a myth so that goes without saying. Many people have been so enamored with Dracula that they have tried to change their appearance to look and act like him. The idea of living forever or the romance of the mystery of vampires carries a great appeal.

The reason I believe that Dracula is such a big icon in today’s society is because of the power that Dracula represents. Dracula is powerful, immortal, rich, mysterious, handsome, and romantic all rolled up in one nice neat package. Everyone wants to live without limits and that is what Dracula is all about. We all understand that Dracula does not exist but that does not stop people from following the myth. There is a cult following of people who dress and act like Dracula. Some even have their teeth ground to a point to look like they have fangs. I am sure even some drink blood. In the end there is no evidence ever found to prove the existence of Dracula. He is just the figment of Bram Stokers imagination.

I take great comfort in knowing that Dracula is just a myth. I love the romance of Dracula and how scary he can be. In the original Dracula movie he falls in love and wants to turn a lady into a vampire like him so she can be his bride. Dracula is a monster with a very human side. He is not so very different from us. Bram Stoker was a genius when it came to Dracula and how life like he really was. I also believe that Dracula will really never die. They will be making new movies of Dracula for years to come. His icon status will live forever. 

Icons

The three icons I chose are Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and Santa:

Marilyn Monroe is the epitome of a beautiful woman. Marilyn had curves in all the right places and was glamorous and sexy and every woman wanted to be her.She was a girl for a small town who made it big as an actress, singer, and model. She had sexy men on her arm all the time. Her beauty and fame has stood the test of time. If you ask girls of any age who Marilyn Monroe is they can tell you who she is. You still see her face on clothing, bags, and posters. She led a tragic life of many failed marriages, drug abuse, and depression. People look past all of that and just see the beautiful woman she really was. I chose Marilyn because she was every woman"s woman. She made you want to be her. Her movies were so fun to watch. She took away the taboo of what women wanted.

Elvis Presley was a rock and roll star. He was the first singer to dance on stage (gyrate his hips). He was an actor, singer, and sex symbol. He was from a small town and made it big. He traveled the country performing and was loved by everyone. He is still very famous today even though he is dead. He has a huge following of fans. I remember watching his movies and listening to his music. He was so charismatic and charming. Every woman loved him and when he smiled it lit up the room. He made it easy to fall in love with him because of his movies you just dreamed you were his costar.  

Santa is a huge icon dating back many many years. Santa is beloved by children everywhere. He goes along with Christmas and has many different names. Santa helps make kids be good because if you are not good Santa will not leave you presents under your Christmas tree. Santa represents gifts, love, dreams, and magic to children of all ages. I chose Santa because he represents magic those who believe. Santa goes hand and hand with Christmas. When you see a child's eyes light up at the mention of Santa is amazing. It is nice to have something to believe in that represents magic without it being negative. I chose Santa because he is kind, loving, and giving. Those are traits we need more of even though Santa is not real. We can learn a lot from Santa.

What does Marilyn, Elvis, and Santa mean to me? I believe we can learn a lot from all three. Marilyn can teach us that just because your beautiful and appear to have it all together you may in fact not. It is not always easy being in the spot light and being idolized. When you make a mistake the world sees it.I remember watching her movies with my mom when I was a kid. I still have to stop and watch her if she is on tv. Elvis taught us you can become to famous and that can be a downfall. HE was a very talented actor and singer and still has a huge following. My brother in law is still a huge fan. He has every album and movie ever made. He even has the outfit shown in the picture shown above. He has done performances for several older ladies as birthday presents. I remember listening to Elvis as a kid I had a lot of his albums back them. I still enjoy his music. It always brings back good memories. As for Santa my kids are grown and I now have 2 grand kids and under my tree every year are presents from Santa. It is fun to watch the kids face light up when they come over Christmas and see what Santa left. Santa gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.

What is Popular Culture

To me popular culture is something that contains qualities that appeal to the masses. Things like music, art, movies, toys, politics, and fashion just to name a few. Some things become popular and stay popular for a short time but other thing stand the test of time. But no matter how long things are popular for these things always bring a feeling of nostalgia when seen again.

Popular culture is important in business because it is a way to stay in touch with society. If you follow the culture than you are known as a business that is able to relate to the world. It also helps you to attract  people. People do not want to work with people who "don't get it" by staying current then you are able to show you have fresh ideas and are willing to move forward and people relate to that.

The popular culture artifact I chose was Dracula. The reason I chose Dracula is because he has stood the test of time and is still very relevant in the horror genre. The first Dracula movie was made in 1931. Bram Stoker wrote the novel that was turned in to a play. Bela Lugosi was the actor that first portrayed Dracula in the movie. Sense 1931 their have been over 161 movies made of Dracula. There have been thousands of vampire movies made, but Dracula has been the most thought of.

This is a clip of the 1931 Dracula movie. Movies have come along way sense then. This is by far my favorite Dracula movie. But than again I am an old movie buff.