Eminem ’spears’ Lincoln

ABSTRACT

Artists have a lot of influence on our society because we have turned them into godly figures. It seems as though they are untouchable and unbreakable. Throughout history, humans have always had idols, but never of this kind. We used to idolize Abraham Lincoln, now we idolize pop-stars. Because of children’s psychological development, they are more susceptible to certain influences, and music companies are using this to their advantage by targeting children and teenagers. Music is no longer entertainment, it is a business, which is why so many artists have the same power that country presidents have. Further studies are needed in order to truly understand and maybe find a solution to artist influence.

PAPER

An idol is “a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly: a false god” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Our culture has transformed itself a lot over the decades. We have always had idols and icons. We have given godly powers to objects and simple humans, and no one seems to see something wrong with this. To understand who, what, where, and why artists have influence it is important to look at three different aspects: history, psychology, and marketing. The history of idols and icons will help explain who our icons have been and who they are now. The psychology of influence will explain why artists influence us, and last but not least business strategies will help us understand who gives these artists their power.

Idols have always taken the place of something or someone humans can look up to, we can seek advice from, and get guidance from. In ancient times, icons were objects that people venerated in a religious matter. Slowly, with church interference, icons and idols changed from objects to people. Not too long ago, young children idolized political figures, war heroes, and astronauts.

After the war, the 1920’s uplifted