Assignment 2-2 Icon Analysis

Three icons that will be analyzed in this article include, U.S. Gymnastics, Oprah Winfrey, and The Food Network. Gymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance and grace. Gymnastics evolved from movements used by the ancient Greeks, which included skills for mounting and dismounting a horse, and from circus performance skills. Gymnastics is an inspiring sport to young females from ages three and up (“Gymnastics”, 2009). Oprah Winfrey, is known as an American media personality, television producer, literary critic and magazine publisher, but best recognized for her self-titled, talk show. She is one of the most influential women in the world, and reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, and spirituality. Though criticized for unleashing confession culture and promoting controversial self-help fads, she is generally admired for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others (“Oprah Winfrey”, 2009). The Food network is a television specialty channel that airs programs about food and cooking internationally. The Food Network started in 1993. Chefs among the network are, Rachael Ray (30 Mintue Meals & $40 a Day), Bobby Flay (Grill It! with Bobby Flay, Iron Chef America), Mario Batali (Iron Chef America), Paula Deen (Paula’s Best Dishes, Paula’s Party), and Guy Fieri (Guy’s Big Bite, Diners, Drive-In & Dives ).

The icons discussed are all topics, which have enlightened, educated, and brought joy to my life. Each individual topic has influenced and expanded the character I represent today. In determining what subject matter to examine, the words passion, inspiration, and interests surfaced in thought. In performing the art of cooking, I receive vast amounts of gratification. On a daily basis, my level of awareness is increased from Oprah and gymnastics will forever be a childhood aspiration.

Gymnastics is a sport my eyes were drawn too at a very young age. One of the most enjoyable childhood memories I have, was putting on a Mary Lou Retton leotard my mom bought me, and pretending to be a real gymnast. Perhaps, as I screen this sport in my current life today, my mind subconsciously takes me back to a time of simplicity. Cooking evolved from having a close relationship with my mother and grandmother. Everyday I was motivated to experiment with food, creating new recipes and may have initiated from having a diverse palate. The Food Network is a place to escape and relax after a long, exhausting day. Oprah Winfrey encourages the world to believe, making the realization of dreams possible to achieve. Listening to her voice in my living room for two decades has given me powerful knowledge to make a difference in life. An issue openly discussed in the last five years is the need for educating women and children in other countries. On the show, authors and politicians address the importance of education in helping to decrease terrorism. One of my goals after finishing my Bachelor’s degree at Franklin is to make a continuing effort in educating women in the Other World. Personally, making a difference in another’s life with less fortunate resources is a fulfillment words cannot illustrate.

Oprah Winfrey. (2009, October 6). Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oprah_Winfrey&oldid=318175491

Gymnastics. (2009, October 6). Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gymnastics&oldid=318266805