10 Popular Things That Were Never Meant to Be Popular

Popularity is an elusive concept, and anyone or anything can unexpectedly attain fame for various reasons. It is a fickle and unpredictable phenomenon that is challenging to orchestrate or control. Determining what makes a new cereal or a particular song popular is a complex task, and if the exact recipe for popularity were known, nothing would ever be deemed unpopular. However, there are instances when things unintentionally gain popularity despite not actively seeking it.

1. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was originally devised as a statistical tool to calculate the ideal weight of an average person. Obesity has become a significant global concern, with an estimated two billion people being affected in 2016. This growing concern has motivated many individuals to prioritize their health and weight, leading them to focus on their BMI or body mass index. Healthcare professionals, including doctors and dietitians, commonly use BMI as a standardized measure to assess weight in relation to height. Lambert Adolf Jacques Quettalei, a mathematician and statistician, invented the BMI in the 1930s, initially known as the Quettale Index. However, Quettale intended it solely to determine the ideal characteristics of the perfectly average man. The index did not account for the diverse variations among individuals and was not initially intended for the purposes it came to serve.

2. Slash's iconic top hat, which became synonymous with the famous guitarist, was acquired on a whim. Establishing a distinctive personal style is a rare feat that only a few individuals can truly pull off. Examples include the beards of the ZZ Top band members or the makeup worn by the members of KISS. In the realm of music, Slash, one of the world's most renowned guitarists, gained recognition for his trademark top hat. However, this distinctive look was never intentionally planned. In fact, the hat itself was not even originally his. In 1985, Slash spotted the hat in a store and felt it would suit his appearance. Given his fondness for hats, it resonated with him, so he simply took it and wore it. Little did he know that it would become an iconic part of his image.

3. The PlayStation, a massively successful gaming console, was not initially conceived as an independent device. Sony, the company behind PlayStation, originally designed it as an optical drive add-on for Nintendo's gaming system. The two companies had struck a deal for Sony to develop the CD-based game capability for Nintendo. However, Nintendo abruptly broke the agreement without informing Sony, choosing instead to partner with Philips. This unexpected turn of events blindsided Sony, as they first learned of the change through Nintendo's public announcement. As a result, Sony decided to continue developing their own gaming console, which ultimately became the immensely popular PlayStation series.

4. The term "alpha male" has often been misinterpreted to connote bullying or toxic masculinity. However, its original meaning stems from biological research on animal behavior. Many animal societies exhibit a communal structure where one male assumes a dominant or alpha role. Unfortunately, this concept has been oversimplified, leading to the misconception that an alpha male is merely the biggest, strongest, and most domineering individual who suppresses dissent. Primatologist Frans de Waal, who played a significant role in popularizing the term, clarifies that an alpha male, based on extensive research, must possess traits of generosity, empathy, and conflict resolution. They are individuals who are loved and respected rather than feared and hated. De Waal emphasizes that being a bully is not inherent to being an alpha male and that such a shallow understanding of the term undermines its true essence.

5. Wolverine, one of the most beloved comic book characters and a prominent member of the X-Men, was not originally intended to be a mutant. When Wolverine was first introduced, he was meant to be a minor character in "The Incredible Hulk," devoid of any mutant abilities. Roy Thomas, one of Wolverine's co-creators, envisioned him solely as a hero without the association to mutants or the X-Men. Thomas described him as a Canadian with claws and a short stature, drawing inspiration from the small size of the wolverine animal. However, in 1975, when Marvel sought to revitalize the X-Men series for a broader international audience, they decided to include a diverse cast of mutants. This decision led to Wolverine's inclusion, and he subsequently became one of Marvel's most iconic and recognizable characters.

6. The President's speech in Independence Day, which has gained acclaim as one of the greatest film speeches, was actually a placeholder. Towards the end of the movie, President Whitmore, portrayed by Bill Pullman, delivers an inspiring speech about global unity against alien invaders. However, the speech was never intended to be a powerful and memorable moment. Co-writer Dean Devlin wrote the entire speech in just five minutes, with no intention of using it in the film. He had planned to revise it later but forgot to replace it due to time constraints. Surprisingly, the improvised speech ended up resonating with audiences and became an iconic moment, even being used by the real White House.

7. Transporters in Star Trek were initially introduced as a cost-cutting measure. It's hard to imagine the Star Trek franchise without its iconic transport technology. In the show's lore, transporters convert matter into energy to instantly transport individuals or objects to different locations. However, transporters were never originally intended to be part of the show. The original Star Trek series had a limited budget, and using shuttles for every planet visit would have been expensive. To save costs and streamline production, the writers invented the concept of transporters. They added limitations to prevent it from becoming a magical problem-solving tool. Eventually, transporters became central to numerous storylines and a defining feature of the Star Trek universe.

8. Saxophones were initially invented as orchestral instruments. Saxophones are beloved for their jazzy and versatile sound, often associated with sexy songs or action-packed movie scenes. However, the saxophone was never intended for such purposes. Historically, the saxophone was designed to be part of an orchestra. Adolf Sax introduced the saxophone in 1841, long after many renowned symphonies had already been composed. Consequently, the saxophone did not fit into classical orchestras, as the compositions were not written with it in mind. Moreover, there was opposition and even attempts to sabotage Sax due to perceived threats to the music industry. Consequently, the saxophone found its place in jazz and later rock music, becoming a seminal instrument in those genres.

9. Toy Story 2 was originally intended as a direct-to-video sequel. The sequel to the groundbreaking Toy Story film was initially planned as a lower-budget, direct-to-video release. These types of sequels usually target hardcore fans and aim to turn a profit, regardless of quality. However, during the production of Toy Story 2, the team realized they had something exceptional. Recognizing its potential, Disney upgraded the film to a full theatrical release. The team had to work under strict deadlines to meet the new standard, resulting in the creation of Pixar's highest-rated film, which propelled the studio's success.

10. Goya's Black Paintings were never meant to be seen by the public. Francisco de Goya, a Spanish painter from the Romantic era, is known for his captivating artworks. The most famous among them are his 14 Black Paintings, which depict horror and artful scenes. Notably, "Saturn Devouring His Son" portrays the Greek and Roman god Saturn (Chronos) consuming his own children to prevent their rebellion. However, Goya never intended these paintings or any of the others to be seen publicly. He painted them directly on the walls of his own home. It was only after Goya's death that the paintings were transferred to canvas by a buyer named Frederick Camille D'Angler. When exhibited in Paris, they stirred controversy and objections. Yet, this controversy fueled their fame, and today Goya is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of his era.