Icon analysis 2-2

The three contemporary icons that I chose are, Rosie the Riveter, the Bald Eagle and Neil Armstrong. Rosie the Riveter is an American icon from back in the 1940’s during World War II. She was actually based on a real person according to Wikipedia and she was a symbol to the women at the time to help their country and government by going to work in the factories while the men were fighting for the war. She is shown as a strong American woman choosing to leave the home to work and keep the economy going and supplying manufacturing products needed for the war. I chose her because she is an image that started the working women revolution. Many products featuring Rosie can be bought from briefcases to clocks to apparel on www.rosietheriveter.com .
The bald Eagle is an American icon because it represents freedom. Its image of strength, freedom and perseverance shows what America stands for. According to www.baldeagleinfo.com , this bird is our national bird and is the only bird unique to North America. This website also states, the bald eagle is no longer on the Endangered Species List and it is illegal to transport, sale, barter, trade, import and export, and possession of eagles, making it illegal for anyone to collect eagles and eagle parts, nests, or eggs without a permit. However “Native Americans are able to possess these emblems which are traditional in their culture.” I chose the American eagle as an icon because anyone that looks on the eagle can see its strength and valor and that is why it is our national bird.
The third icon I chose was Neil Armstrong. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon and is revered as hero in our culture. I chose him because he signifies that America is always looking toward the future and striving to accomplish our goals. He made the statement, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” when he landed on the moon. He is from Wapakoneta, Ohio and has a degree from Purdue University according to http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov .