Winnie the Pooh

Popular culture defines current and long term trends.  It can define how we see the world at that moment of time.  Trends in clothing, movies, books, television shows, and even commercials are examples of what can be considered pop culture.  When thinking about the term "pop culture", I believe that most people think in world-wide terms.  While some pop culture is world-wide, I think that what is considered pop culture can even be localized.  For example, things that are considered popular in the United States may be irrelevant in Europe.  Clothing trends in one area of the US not catch on in a different area of the US.  It can even be more closely defined by age.  For example, there are toys that people of my age group would very closely relate to that would be lost on people of another generation.  Music from the 50s would not invoke the same emotion in today's teenagers as it would in those who were teenagers in the 50s.

As a tax professional, it would be difficult to connect pop culture to my career environment.  However, as I have been watching the news reports lately, I think that all of the protests, complaints, and support surrounding healthcare,and whether or not it is now considered a tax, may one day be considered a part of our pop culture.

I chose Winnie-the-Pooh as my icon of pop culture.  While Disneyland/Disneyworld is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Pooh, he is present in many places and forms.  From movies to books to music, from clothing to stuffed animals to children's bedding, from balloons and party supplies to home decor.  Pooh even has two personalities - Classic Pooh and Disney Pooh.  I have loved WTP since I was a little girl.  When my children were born, I decorated their rooms with Winnie the Pooh in hopes that they would connect with Pooh at a very young age and continue to love him through their lives as I have.