It" is the idea of him or her that resides in us--inspired…
““It" is the idea of him or her that resides in us--inspired by the "Something" in them, as Pope has it, "That gives us back the Image of our Mind." Although the perception of It must be excited by some extraordinary perturbation in the looks and personality of the adored, the aura that It broadcasts arises not merely from the singularity of an original, as Walter Benjamin supposed, but also from the fabulous success of its reproducibility in the imaginations of many others, charmed exponentially by the number of its copies. The one-of-kind item must become a type, a replicable role-icon of itself--from "a Charles Hart" or "a Nell Gwyn" to "a Mary Pickford" or "a Douglas Fairbanks"--in order to unleash the Pygmalion effect in the hearts and minds of the fans, making the idea of him or her theirs--as much or more than anything else they might call their own.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Roach explores how iconic figures become replicated symbols that inspire collective imagination, turning unique individuals into archetypal icons that influence cultural perception and identity.
In simple terms: Iconic people become symbols that shape how we see ourselves and others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of cultural icons in shaping identity.
Themes
culture
identity
media
iconography
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theoretical
interpretive
When to use this quote
- advertising
- celebrity culture
- fan communities
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
symbolic representation
collective imagination
replication
Pygmalion effect
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes an icon resonate across cultures?
- How does replication affect authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on icons can oversimplify complex individuals and histories.