It seems that over the last couple of decades that age of the icon is coming to an end. The people who used to appear larger than life and inspire those around have been replaced by an ever increasing idenitkit line of celebrity, where the only way to be noticed is to be more outrageous than the last.
It seems that some people are only too happy to take that spot in the limelight and then try and occupy it as long as possible. But as they strove to the top, its getting harder and harder to stay there and the next few of bright pretty young things is always around the corner biting at their heels. But let's be honest, they are not icons, they are just the day's passing fancy.
It's not only people that have the same problem, several things are taken apart in the name of progress. As if to say that if an idea has been around for too long, then there is a new more improved idea that will always be better. That's not to say that all old ideas are good, some are most definitely better off left behind and lost in the annals of history.
The reason for my ramblings is that I saw the new Routemaster bus over the weekend. An icon of Britain and, in particular London, an icon that was known worldwide. But some people decreed that because it was old, there were better ideas, more efficient ideas that could take its place.
Some people have no emotion in their hearts.
The original idea moved from beyond just a bus to being a classic design and icon. It was well liked, because it did the job well, but it was not enough for some, who inisisted on getting rid of them to forward their own agendas and allow them and what they wanted to be the icon that followed. The bendy buses carried more people and were more efficient, and costworthy. But the danger to cyclists, other vehicles and unsuitability to some of the streets of London meant they were never liked.
Most people I know are looking forward to going back. With a slighty different style, the original icon will return and I think people will feel better for it. Sometimes its worth keeping something for how it makes you feel.
Comments
Big Ben stills stands out as does the London Eye. Is the Eye iconic yet?
San Francisco has hung onto its iconic Trolley's and of course have the Golden Gate Bridge.
LA has its smog still
How about things like your average NY subway station, or one of those Paris Metro (that's their subway) entrances, with the classic iron-and-doodads motifs?
Or for that matter, Ray's Famous Original Pizza -- pick any one!
ETA what do you mean Grand Central Station only locals? What did they blow it up, or something? I mean it's still there, I assume. Yeah, I guess you're right -- nobody really goes there unless you're catching a commuter train. Still, *North by Northwest*!
I still think your average NY subway platform counts as iconic -- what was that Woody Allen movie where they had the subway sign above the bed? That plus an average pizza joint -- can't watch a movie/TV set in NYC without seeing that.
The OP was talking about iconic people! You tricked me, whatexit! More Cary Grant/John Wayne rather than Monument Valley!
Well, whatever, I stand by my "contributions."
Comparing the new and the old Penn Station, renowned Yale architectural historian Vincent Scully once wrote, "One entered the city like a god; one scuttles in now like a rat." This feeling, shared by many New Yorkers, has led to movements for a new Penn Station that could somehow atone for the loss of an architectural treasure
It's still about the shittiest place in Manhattan, though. Unless you want to score exotic drugs like H or pastrami sandwiches.
Still not sold on the whole penn sta. thing though -- the pictures are bitching, but, come on, "iconic"? Brooklyn bridge got way more awesome than that. Obviously, Empire State bldg. fucking Times Square. fucking A the library at 47th with the lions. Washington Square!