Iconoclast
From Free net encyclopedia
"Iconoclast" originally referred to a person who destroyed icons, that is, sacred paintings or sculpture. An example is Byzantine emperor Leo III, who ordered the destruction of all icons of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints in his empire. For more discussion of historical iconoclasts, see iconoclasm.
The more common meaning in current usage is that an iconoclast is a person who carries out symbolic or quixotic acts of protest against authority figures, the connotation being that the iconoclast opposes the imposition of authority itself rather than any particular policy or action.
The term may also refer to a person who reacts against popular culture or ideals.
Iconoclast was also a Southern Californian anarcho-punk band from the 1980s. It is also the name of a Sundance Channel show where ground-breaking celebrities are interviewed. In the 1890's Iconoclast was the name of a major Texas newspaper known for being critical of powerful institutions and figures. The newspaper ceased to exist when editor W. C. Brann was shot in the back for exposing scandalous activities at Baylor University.