Mount Rushmore and Pop Culture: The Icons That Deserve to Be Chiselled in Stone
Mount Rushmore is a symbol of greatness, an enduring monument to the figures who shaped American history. But what if we reimagined it through the lens of pop culture? Across music, movies, TV, anime, and gaming, certain figures have had such a profound influence that they deserve to be carved into the cultural landscape forever. If we were to create a pop culture Mount Rushmore, who would stand tall as the four defining icons? Let’s explore the best from each realm.
Music: Michael Jackson – The King of Pop
No artist has reshaped the global music industry quite like Michael Jackson. His revolutionary approach to music videos, electrifying performances, and chart-topping hits made him one of the most influential musicians of all time. From ‘Thriller’ to ‘Billie Jean,’ his music transcended genres, generations, and borders, making him the ultimate symbol of pop music dominance. His impact on dance, production, and music visuals is unparalleled, securing his place on pop culture’s Mount Rushmore.
Movies & TV: Walt Disney – The Architect of Modern Entertainment
The name Walt Disney is synonymous with storytelling magic. From pioneering animated classics like ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ to launching the world’s most famous entertainment empire, Disney changed the way we consume media. His vision brought us Disneyland, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Pixar, influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences. His legacy extends far beyond cartoons—he built a cultural empire that shaped childhoods and family entertainment for nearly a century.
Anime: Hayao Miyazaki – The Master of Animation
When it comes to anime, few names hold as much weight as Hayao Miyazaki. The co-founder of Studio Ghibli and the mastermind behind ‘Spirited Away’, ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, and ‘Princess Mononoke’, Miyazaki’s work brought anime to global prominence. His ability to craft deeply emotional, visually breathtaking, and philosophically rich stories has made him an icon not just in anime, but in filmmaking as a whole. His impact on the animation industry worldwide is undeniable, earning him a well-deserved spot in pop culture’s hall of fame.
Gaming: Shigeru Miyamoto – The Father of Modern Video Games
Gaming has become one of the most dominant entertainment industries in the world, and no one has contributed more to its success than Shigeru Miyamoto. As the creator of ‘Super Mario’, ‘The Legend of Zelda’, and ‘Donkey Kong’, Miyamoto shaped the way we play games and defined an entire industry. His influence is felt in every platformer, open-world adventure, and game design philosophy that exists today. If gaming had a Mount Rushmore, Miyamoto’s face would be at the forefront, representing innovation and creativity.
Honourable Mentions
Picking only four icons is nearly impossible, as so many figures have left their mark on pop culture. Other strong contenders include:
Beyoncé – A powerhouse in music, fashion, and cultural influence.
Oprah Winfrey – A media mogul who transformed talk shows and inspired millions.
Stan Lee – The man behind Marvel’s greatest superheroes.
The Beatles – A band that redefined the music industry.
Hideo Kojima – A visionary in gaming with titles like ‘Metal Gear Solid’ and ‘Death Stranding’.
Akira Toriyama – The creator of ‘Dragon Ball’, a series that defined anime for generations.
Pop culture is ever-evolving, shaped by visionaries who push boundaries and redefine entertainment. If Mount Rushmore were carved for pop culture, these four—Michael Jackson, Walt Disney, Hayao Miyazaki, and Shigeru Miyamoto—would stand as eternal symbols of innovation, influence, and creativity. They didn’t just entertain the world; they transformed it. The debate will always continue, but one thing is certain: pop culture deserves its own monument.
—Silviya.Y
