John Lennon's violent death in New York City served as a symbolic act that energized the concept of peace around the world. By acting as a "sacrificial lamb", Lennon helped create a flashpoint in consciousness that strengthened people's commitment to peace, even among those who did not know him personally. His death left followers inspired to take on his qualities of promoting peace, just as followers of other symbolic figures like Christ and Martin Luther King Jr. had done when those figures were removed. Great public personalities who become symbols for social movements continue to influence people even after death, as imitators seek to carry on the ideals represented by the iconic figures.