TikTok quickly rose in popularity this year but has many problematic characteristics like sexualizing young kids and devaluing true art.
Pop Culture
Wuss poppin’: Clown memes — the modern fool’s gold
Pop culture columnist Nadya Siringo Ringo SC ’21 talks the trend of clown memes and what it says about the newest generation of internet users. “Nowadays, the clown isn’t a subject but rather a reflection of the fools we see in ourselves and others. The memes capitalize on the universality of mistakes and false hope — they rebuff viewers for striving toward something that leads to worthless results but validates them at the same time,” she writes.
Popped up: Reddit might be what you’re looking for in times of procrastination
In this week’s pop culture column, Hannah Avalos PO ’21 compares her experiences on Reddit and Instagram, claiming that anonymity on Reddit allows users to more authentically connect with others.
Wuss poppin’: The appropriation of casual streetwear is a serious flex
In this week’s pop culture column, Nadya Siringo Ringo SC ’21 critiques the cultural appropriation inherent in popular streetwear and minimalist clothing. She writes, “Expensive streetwear heavily draws from the styles and cultures of low-income communities, making versions that are inaccessible to them despite their heavy influence.”
Wuss poppin’: The crying-laughing emoji’s digital, emotional versatility
Wuss poppin’ explains the various feelings that the crying-laughing emoji embodies, including both ends of the happy-sad spectrum.