essay on pop culture

Essay on Pop Culture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Pop Culture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Pop Culture

What is pop culture.

Pop culture means popular culture. It’s made up of ideas, images, attitudes, and creative works that are well-liked by many people. Pop culture includes music, movies, fashion, and slang. It’s what we see on TV, hear on the radio, and talk about with friends.

The Role of Media

Media, like television and the internet, plays a big role in spreading pop culture. They show us new trends and famous people. Social media platforms help us share and talk about pop culture with friends and even strangers.

Changes in Pop Culture

Pop culture is always changing. What was cool yesterday might not be cool today. New artists, technology, and ideas come in and change what we like and do. Pop culture keeps evolving with the times.

Impact on Society

Pop culture can influence how we dress, what we listen to, and how we act. Sometimes it can even shape our beliefs and opinions. It’s powerful because it reaches so many people and can bring them together.

Pop culture is a big part of our lives. It’s fun, always changing, and helps us connect with others. Understanding pop culture can help us understand the world around us better.

250 Words Essay on Pop Culture

Pop culture is the collection of ideas, images, and attitudes that are known by the mainstream of a society at a given time. It includes music, movies, fashion, technology, and slang. Pop culture is often seen as fun, easy to understand, and enjoyed by many people.

Music and Movies

In pop culture, music and movies are very important. Popular songs and films spread quickly and can be known by people all over the world. Artists like Taylor Swift or movies like “Avengers” are part of pop culture because they are widely recognized and shared.

Fashion and Technology

What we wear and the gadgets we use are also parts of pop culture. When a certain style of clothing or a new phone becomes popular, it becomes a trend. Many people follow these trends, which makes them a big part of pop culture.

Social Media’s Role

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok help spread pop culture. They let people share pictures, videos, and thoughts quickly. This helps new trends and ideas become popular very fast.

Why Pop Culture Matters

Pop culture is important because it brings people together. It gives them something to talk about and enjoy with each other. It can also show what a society thinks is important at a certain time. Pop culture is like a mirror that reflects what people in a society like and think about.

500 Words Essay on Pop Culture

Pop culture is short for popular culture. It includes all the ideas, images, trends, and objects that are liked by many people. Think about the music you hear on the radio, the shows you watch on TV, the latest fashion trends, or the newest viral video everyone shares. These are all examples of pop culture. It is a mirror that shows what a lot of people are interested in at a certain time.

Music and movies are huge parts of pop culture. They can bring people together and make them feel all sorts of emotions. When a song becomes a hit, it’s because lots of people enjoy listening to it and it often gets stuck in their heads. Movies that are popular can make people laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of their seats. Sometimes, the characters from these movies become so loved that they appear on T-shirts, lunchboxes, and all sorts of things.

Fashion and Style

What we wear is also a big piece of pop culture. The clothes that are in style change all the time. One day, everyone might be wearing bright colors, and the next, it could be all about black and white. Fashion is not just about clothes, though. It’s also about hairstyles, shoes, and even the kind of backpacks kids carry to school. When a famous person wears something new or different, often many people want to wear the same thing.

Technology and Social Media

Technology, like smartphones and tablets, has become a part of everyone’s life. It changes how we talk to our friends, how we play games, and how we learn new things. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are where a lot of pop culture spreads. These are places where people can share pictures, videos, and ideas with others, and where new trends often start.

Sports and Games

Sports stars and the games people play are also important in pop culture. When a sports team wins a big game, they can become heroes to many people. Video games are just as important. Some games become so popular that millions of people play them. They can even be a way for people to make new friends and learn about teamwork.

Pop culture is important because it brings people together. It gives them something to talk about and share with each other. It can also show what a society values and what it finds interesting or funny. Sometimes, pop culture can even lead to important changes in society by discussing big ideas and problems in a way that is easy for many people to understand.

In conclusion, pop culture is all around us. It’s in the music we listen to, the movies we watch, the clothes we wear, and the games we play. It helps shape who we are and how we see the world. Pop culture is like a big conversation that everyone is a part of, and it helps us connect with each other in fun and meaningful ways.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Poor And Rich Lifestyle
Essay on Polygamy Is Better Than Monogamy
Essay on Politics And Society

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Free Pop Culture Essay Examples & Topics

Popular culture essays are becoming an increasingly prevailing task for students from different majors. Yet, if you want to write an indeed great paper, you should first figure out how to define the phenomenon.

Popular culture is the set of trends that predominates at the current time. It is determined by several aspects, including clothing style, language use (slang, traditional greetings, etc.), food choices, and social media use.

The role of pop culture in the modern world cannot be underestimated. First and foremost, it helps teenagers find themselves in the social context. Secondly, popular culture sets the acceptable norms of behavior. This way, people clearly understand how to act in society to fit in. Finally, pop culture enhances the connection between the community members.

Our team has prepared tips for writing popular culture essays. They will help you to deal with any topic in this area. Besides, we have some excellent ideas for your paper or practice. Under the article, you will find pop culture essay examples written by fellow students.

Popular Culture Essay Tips

If you’re interested in how to write a pop culture essay, this section is for you. Here, we have collected some essential pieces of advice that will assist in composing your paper.

Try the following pop culture writing tips:

Check some samples or opinions.

Are you familiar with that feeling when you have a blank Word document in front of you and zero ideas of what to write about? Other essays can help you! Read some samples on this subject and get inspired to compose your paper. Besides, checking examples can assist you in figuring out the structure and argumentation.

Pick a topic or come up with your own.

Getting an idea for your essay is the first step of preparation. Try to stay creative and reasonable while choosing a topic. Make sure that it is neither too narrow nor too broad. Also, check if you have enough information to develop solid arguments and support your claims.

Research the idea or celebrity of your choice.

This step provides a ground for the entire paper. Ensure that you get only credible information and use reliable sources. Think critically and evaluate every source you use.

Formulate and embrace your position.

Clearly formulate your thesis statement . It will be your position and key message. Keep in mind that all people have different points of view. So, be ready to defend your position. Present strong arguments, valid supportive details, and appropriate examples.

Think of a bigger picture.

Try to understand how your research topic can be integrated with the real world. What practical applications will your paper have? How to put your essay idea in a real-life context? The answers can give you the right direction for your essay writing process.

Decide on how to start your paper.

The hook of your pop culture essay should be dynamic. Think about the most creative ways to grab the readers’ attention. Make them desire to read your paper till the very end. These are some ideas: a memorable quote, a personal story, an anecdote, shocking statistics, or anything that you find engaging and catchy.

Outline and write your essay.

Make a clear outline that would include an introduction (with a thesis statement), body paragraphs, and conclusion. Present your ideas in a logical order and have valid evidence for each of your arguments. Then write a coherent and well-structured pop culture essay. And don’t forget to proofread the completed assignment before submitting it!

13 Pop Culture Essay Topics

Now, as we have discovered the theoretical part, let’s move to practice! In the list below, you will find 13 popular culture essay topics. Use one of them to write your original work. If these ideas are not enough for you, you can use our title generator .

Here are some topics for you to look through:

Media and pop culture: how does the image of a perfect life in social media influence teenagers’ emotional state?
Do pop culture’s positive effects on youth outweigh the negative ones?
The impact of pop culture on society.
How does pop culture influence the development of teenagers’ identities?
In what ways can pop culture be in conflict with religion?
The worldwide spreading of American pop culture as the key cause of globalization.
Can Madonna be considered an idol?
How does pop culture form the ethical norms of communication?
In what ways does pop culture support feminism?
The issue of gender equality from the perspective of pop culture.
Cultural studies: the perception of art and music in various countries.
How can cultural references evoke memories from the past?
Does pop culture accept or reject homosexuality in society?

Thank you for your attention! You can now move to the pop culture writing examples below. And to read them faster, use the summarizing tool .

72 Best Essay Examples on Pop Culture

How do celebrities influence society celebrity culture positive effects.

Words: 1734

Celebrity Culture and Its Influence on Society

Science and scientists in media representation.

Words: 1714

Emojis Role in the Modern World

Words: 1669

Disney and Its Impact on Popular Culture and Society

Western pop culture and street fashion of japanese youth.

Words: 3876

“Barbie: Queen of Dolls and Consumerism” by Amy Lin

Billboard as an element of the popular culture.

Words: 3498

Punk Movement Versus Popular Culture: Background and Development

Words: 2789

Spider-Man Character’s Popularity and Influences

Hello kitty as a kitsch and anti-feminist phenomenon.

Words: 1109

Standards of Beauty in Baywatch

Words: 1939

Superhero Captain America in Marvel Comics

Harry potter stories and impact on pop culture, “the culture of celebrity” by epstein joseph.

Words: 1272

Marvel vs. DC Characters Debate

Precis on the “superhero smackdown” by douglas wolk, popular culture resistance: causes and goals.

Words: 1129

Autistic Spectrum Disorder: The Case of Sheldon Cooper

Successful afro-latinos from the dominican republic.

Words: 1110

Popular Culture and Art Definition, Brief History and New Opportunities

Words: 1168

High Culture and Low Culture: Disneyland Products

Words: 1052

The “Harry Potter” Movie vs. Book Comparison

The future of the korean wave study by jin & yoon, popular culture and williams’ life of the mind, a comparison of ariana grande and ed sheeran, export of popular culture products in asia, the popular media trap of meritocracy.

Words: 2170

The Influence of Radio on American Culture and Popular Music

Issues mentioned by hans rosling in his videos, global, imperial, and divided city in mirzoeff’s “how to see the world”, “the neighbourhood” sitcom’s implicit message to society, what is popular culture: personal definition, anthropological study of the zombies.

Words: 1264

BTS’ Map of The Soul: 7

Influence of harry potter and the hunger games, “the mother’s daughter” video clip analysis, cosplay: anime community craftmanship, “the cult of ipod” book by leander kahney, consumerism and american popular culture, culture: a remix manifesto and adornian concepts, popular culture – ipods advertising and its impact, american pop culture impact on decision-making, “all the young dudes: media, subculture and lifestyle” by osgerby, popular culture in america today: evolution, features, and impact in other parts of the world, trends in america through different lenses: social, political, and religious, hills’ analysis of fun culture.

Words: 1921

American Studies: Fan Culture Around Pulp Fiction

Words: 1477

Ecstasy and Rave Culture: Influence on Society

Words: 2054

“Brazil” by Terry Gilliam and “Love Conquers All” Film

Words: 2463

Popular Culture Since the 50’s: Drivers for Popular Culture, Music, TV and Literature

Words: 1454

How Pop Art Reflects the Values and Culture of the U.S.

Words: 1990

Popular Culture and Contemporary Life. The Matrix

Words: 1017

Soft Power of South Korean Culture

Words: 2215

Asian Studies: K-Pop in Japan and in the World

Words: 1025

Cultural Appropriation Concept in Asian Cultures

Modern korean body concept in “200 pounds beauty”, culture and representation in comic books.

Words: 1371

Superhero Movies in Contemporary Western Culture

Effects of famous people on the culture, pop cultural influence on american youth, viacom mtv and its influence on world culture, an evolutionary window on the worlds of pornography and romance, disney’s representation of couples and families.

Words: 1377

Korean Popular Culture and Western Influences

Korean popular culture and national identity, media and popular culture in east and south east asia: kyoung-hwa.

Words: 1396

Media and Popular Cultural in East and South East Asia

Words: 1335

Popular or Mass Culture: Mimetic Analysis, Semiotics and Narrative

Words: 1144

Roles and Functions of a Supervisor in Popular Culture

Words: 2079

A Theoretical Analysis of the Act of Cell Phone Texting While Driving

Popular culture of tv watching in usa and china.

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How to Write Personal Essays About Pop Culture

"It was mostly through pop culture, through hip-hop, through Dungeons & Dragons and comic books that I acquired much of my vocabulary." -Ta-Nehisi Coates

Write about Pop Culture with Lit Hub and Crime Reads contributing editor Lisa Levy

We all engage with pop culture every day: we check gossip sites, we hit Spotify, we read about a new movie; we play an alphabet soup of games, we scan websites, or watch a YouTube video, or binge a Netflix show. There are as many forms of popular culture are there are ways to write about it.

We start engaging with pop culture as soon as we're able to perceive the world around us. You know when you're a teenager, and you have all these obsessive interests that might seem strange to anyone who doesn't understand the rabbit hole you've gone down (or live in)? Your entire world revolved around a grunge band from the 1990s that only released one album with five good songs, but you listened to those songs on repeat and learned every lyric.

Or you were obsessed with this one character in an animated show about animals that was too odd for adults, but it was just so funny, even now. Or, you followed every move of some boy band from the early 2000s that you can only find on YouTube now (a few rungs below LFO).

Some of these obsessions follow you into adulthood, or you're discovering them for the first time years later. What do all of these things have in common? They are all obsessively obsessed with pop culture. And while they might seem trivial or silly, they also offer a lot of great insight into who we were as younger people. Or who we are now. Or who we have discovered ourselves to be through some portal into the long-forgotten.

Why did we love this particular thing or moment so much? How did it impact us as young people in forming our own identities? Why did we like it so much at the time? And would others benefit from our intelligent and incisive commentary?

Want a great example? Read The Ecstasy of Frank Ocean by Doreen St. Félix, MTV News.

What Is a Personal Essay About Pop Culture?

In the Washington Post , Sonny Bunch wrote, "the best writing about popular culture — about music, about movies, about TV shows, about books, about whatever — interrogates the way we think rather than what we think." Indeed, pop culture is an integral part of the development of a person's personality and identity.

And a personal essay about pop culture can be like any other essay you've written. You might have fond memories of watching The Office and choose to write about how it worked its way into your life at the time, how it shaped your sense of humor, or the conversations you had at school or work. You can look back on it and recognize a link between how you felt about the show and how you feel about it now. If you enjoyed it back then, you might still enjoy it now, but you might also notice flaws you didn't see at the time. It can be the starting point for a personal essay that takes a second (or third or fourth) look at the pop culture that shaped or changed you.

Want a great example? Read The Grace of Keanu Reeves by Angelica Jade Bastién, Bright Wall/Dark Room

Writing Your Essay About Pop Culture

Of course, writing about The Office is but one of infinite possibilities. Writing your essay about pop culture is about finding the small details that link your past (recent or otherwise) to the present day. How does the fictional character you were obsessed with or the album you cared so much about still inspire you in your life now? Or, how does it show the flaws in the way you might have thought about culture then as now?

Do you think about the plot of the movie or book you read often? What do you think about the music or song lyrics that impacted your life? How do you think that specific moment shaped who you are today?

When you write your essay about pop culture, try to focus on specific details that link you to the time; you don't have to try to go for some grandiose idea of how it changed your life, but that is fine if you do. What matters is the emotional connection you make on the page. As the cliche goes, to be genuinely universal, you need to be specific, so write into the details that stand out, are personal, and will be relatable to your reader.

Want a great example? Read As Not Seen On TV by Pete Wells, The New York Times

We live in an age of democratized criticism: the only thing stopping you from writing about your favorite show or game or app is you.

When you write a personal essay about pop culture, you might be trying to praise or critique the cultural artifact in question. However, to make your piece of writing more impactful, you should focus on how it impacted your life and how it still impacts you in the present day in some way.

Pop culture connects us and, in many cases, shapes who we become and what we like and molds our worldview and ethos, and it's important to reflect on these moments that shaped us and our identities.

Want a great example? Read The Weight of James Arthur Baldwin by Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah, BuzzFeed

More Examples:

Read The Babysitter's Club by Jesse Barron, Real Life

Read The Confessions of R. Kelly by Chris Heath, GQ

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111 Popular Culture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Popular culture is a fascinating and ever-evolving aspect of society that influences our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. From music and movies to fashion and social media, popular culture shapes our daily lives in countless ways. If you're looking for inspiration for your next essay on popular culture, we've got you covered with 111 topic ideas and examples to get you started.

The impact of social media influencers on consumer behavior
The evolution of hip hop music and its influence on society
The portrayal of mental health in popular culture
The rise of reality TV shows and their effects on viewers
The cultural significance of memes in the digital age
The representation of gender and sexuality in popular culture
The influence of celebrity endorsements on consumer choices
The role of fashion in popular culture and self-expression
The impact of streaming services on the music industry
The cultural appropriation of minority cultures in popular culture
The influence of video games on youth culture
The representation of race in Hollywood films
The phenomenon of binge-watching TV shows and its effects on mental health
The popularity of true crime documentaries and podcasts
The rise of K-pop and its global impact
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in popular culture
The influence of technology on popular music production
The nostalgia trend in pop culture and its appeal to millennials
The role of fan communities in shaping popular culture
The impact of social media on celebrity culture
The representation of women in superhero movies
The influence of TikTok on music trends
The phenomenon of viral challenges on social media
The portrayal of mental illness in TV shows and movies
The popularity of superhero movies and their cultural significance
The evolution of online dating and its portrayal in popular culture
The cultural significance of tattoos in modern society
The impact of streaming platforms on the film industry
The representation of disability in popular culture
The influence of gaming culture on mainstream media
The rise of eco-friendly fashion in popular culture
The portrayal of drug use in popular music
The influence of celebrity fashion on trends
The cultural significance of sports in popular culture
The representation of body image in advertising
The impact of cancel culture on celebrities and public figures
The influence of political satire in comedy shows
The portrayal of mental health in music lyrics
The popularity of true crime podcasts and their appeal to audiences
The role of nostalgia in marketing and advertising
The representation of technology in science fiction movies
The influence of social media on beauty standards
The evolution of dance trends in popular culture
The cultural significance of food trends
The impact of social media on body image
The representation of race and ethnicity in TV commercials
The influence of celebrity endorsements on fashion trends
The role of fan fiction in popular culture
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in TV shows
The popularity of ASMR videos and their effects on viewers
The influence of Instagram on travel trends
The representation of women in advertising campaigns
The impact of streaming services on the film industry
The cultural significance of street art
The evolution of language in popular culture
The influence of reality TV shows on beauty standards
The portrayal of mental health in young adult literature
The popularity of conspiracy theories in popular culture
The role of nostalgia in music trends
The representation of gender in video games
The influence of social media on fashion trends
The cultural significance of emojis in communication
The impact of celebrity scandals on public perception
The portrayal of addiction in TV shows and movies
The influence of social media on body positivity movements
The phenomenon of influencer marketing in the beauty industry
The representation of race and ethnicity in fashion advertising
The popularity of true crime documentaries on streaming platforms
The evolution of internet slang and its impact on language
The influence of gaming culture on fashion trends
The cultural significance of street style photography
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in young adult literature
The impact of social media on mental health awareness
The role of nostalgia in music festivals
The representation of disability in children's literature
The influence of celebrity chefs on food trends
The popularity of DIY culture in the digital age
The evolution of online dating apps and their impact on relationships
The cultural significance of drag culture
The portrayal of race and ethnicity in social media influencers
The influence of social media on travel destinations
The phenomenon of viral challenges on YouTube
The representation of mental health in comic books
The impact of streaming services on the TV industry
The role of fan art in popular culture
The influence of celebrity fashion on street style
The cultural significance of dance trends
The evolution of slang in rap music
The popularity of wellness trends in popular culture
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in romantic comedies
The representation of race and ethnicity in beauty advertising
The impact of celebrity endorsements on skincare trends
The role of fan fiction in shaping TV show narratives
The cultural significance of streetwear fashion
The evolution of language in pop music lyrics
The influence of social media on body image
The phenomenon of influencer marketing in the fitness industry
The representation of mental health in young adult novels
The popularity of true crime podcasts and their appeal to listeners

These are just a few examples of the many ways popular culture influences our lives and shapes our society. Whether you're interested in exploring the impact of social media on beauty standards or the representation of race in Hollywood films, there's no shortage of topics to explore in the world of popular culture. So pick a topic that interests you, do some research, and start writing your next essay on popular culture today!

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100 best popular culture essay topics.

Popular culture essay topics are interesting and exciting to read about. They have mass appeal and most people can relate to them. Pop culture can take different media forms. It can range from comic books to films about superheroes. The list can also include fashion, social media, and slang.

As such, selecting pop culture topics to write about is not easy for some students. Although learners have many ideas to consider, they should think carefully before they start to research and write. Pop culture is often criticized for being superficial and primitive. Some people think it’s from indie groups. But, how justifiable are these beliefs? These are some of the issues that can form the basis of popular culture topics for essays. But, if struggling to choose what to write about, here is a list of popular culture topics to consider.

Argumentative Popular Culture Essay Topics

Most people love reading argumentative essays. However, writing argumentative essays on pop culture topics is not easy. It requires skills and time. Here are some of the topics to consider if you want to write an argumentative essay about pop culture.

Popular television shows do not portray what society considers important
Social media does not affect the movies that we watch
Globalization does not affect the pop culture
Globalization affects pop culture significantly
Social media affects movies significantly
Social ideas and pop culture do not have a connection
Popular culture is defined by social ideals
Celebrities influence the buying decisions of most people
Most people will buy a product that is sold by a celebrity
The popularity of soap operas will keep rising
Soap operas are no longer part of the popular culture
Music connects people and other music topics
Connecting with people that listen to different music style is not easy
Music can connect even people that listen to different genres
The internet does not affect what people enjoy
The internet affects what people like
Artists with a low following should watch everything they do and say
Artists should not worry about younger followers that mimic what they do and say
Weather channels should be an aspect of popular culture
Disney princesses affect young girls positively

When writing on any of these pop culture argumentative essay topics, students should be persuasive and provide relevant examples. What’s more, they should be logical in their thinking to convince readers to believe their viewpoints.

Topics about Culture and Science

It’s not easy for some people to think that science and popular culture can merge. However, some topics touch on both science and popular culture. If looking for a pop culture topic that allows you to talk about science, consider these ideas.

Some scenes in pop culture films are accurate
Experiments from Frankenstein can be conducted today
Some experiments from Frankenstein can be conducted in the future
Pluto should be considered as a planet in the current age
Evolution is real when viewed from a pop culture’s perspective
Evolution is a myth when viewed from a pop culture’s perspective
Discuss the popular existential crises attitudes in the 21st century
What can humans learn from watching television about neuroscience?
What parallels can be drawn from Huxley’s Brave New World with the current drug industry?
How does the Gattaca movie resemble current genetic editing
Discuss the popular attitudes towards 21st-century space exploration
Discuss changes in the evolution’s opinion in the popular culture over the centuries
What are the most common objections to eating meat as popular culture?
Can popular culture be studied in science professions by academics?
How has the perception of healthy eating changed?
How does popular culture portray scientific questions with a link to existential philosophy?
What is the effect of climate change movies on impact reduction?
Has the understanding of the solar system and stars been changed by popular science?
Discuss the popular objections that some people have towards vegetarianism
Why is the inclusion of popular culture references in academics wrong?

This list also has some of the best pop culture debate topics. Nevertheless, you should pick the idea to write about carefully. That’s because some ideas are the basis of controversial pop culture topics. As such, you must also convey contrary opinions and take a stance when writing your essay.

Social Issues and Culture Topics

Some pop culture essay topics tie with some social issues. A topic is popularized by society. That’s why most films, television programs, and books focus on social issues. Therefore, good pop culture topics are relatable to most people. Here are some of the best social issues and pop culture paper topics to consider.

Popular culture implication on dumbing down the youth
Racism and popular culture over the last century
Impact of the popular culture on the moral compass
Why some religions are popular than others
Which are the most popular religions?
Why does free speech stress some people in today’s society?
Discuss the impact of social media on popular movements in society
Analyze the current popular culture and consumer behavior trends
Analyze popular culture and consumer behavior in the past 100 years
Discuss the changing landscape in the popular culture and gender equality
How does popular culture represent terrorism
Discuss changes in terrorism representation over the past years
What are the most popular clans in the world?
What is the influence of popular clans?
Discuss the changing attitudes towards gender equality
How is the moral landscape changing?
What are the most influential cults in popular societies
How has feminism affected popular culture?
How does pop culture create apathy in modern society
How does homosexual attitude differ in society due to popular culture?

These pop culture research paper topics touch on social issues too. They show that popular culture is an important aspect of society. Students can focus on these pop culture research topics to show that this essential aspect can cause or solve issues in society.

Controversial Pop Culture Topics for Research Papers

Some popular culture research topics are generally controversial. Writing about such topics entails addressing the controversy that is witnessed almost every day by students. Nevertheless, writing about controversial American pop culture topics, for instance, requires analytical skills. Here are examples of topics in this category.

The government should ban some countercultures
Some cartoons are catchy and bright- Discuss with Toy Story in mind
Products of pop culture bend the present-day youth’s aesthetic perception
Social media activity should be moderated strictly
Some old music and books are better than some of the modern bestsellers
Most people criticize some products of pop culture for being trash
Celebrities should be accountable for racist messages
Most celebrities include sexist messages in their work
Parents should be attentive to the music listened to by their kids
Reading comic books can cause a superficial perception of daily reality

It’s crucial to remember that you should always be ethical when writing about controversial popular culture topics. That means you should focus on making a strong argument with sufficient evidence when writing your paper or essay.

Interesting Culture Speech Topics

Some educators ask students to write speeches on global and American popular culture topics. These topics can also be great for debates. Here are examples of topics that learners can choose for their speeches.

Negatives and positive effects of popular culture on young people
How pop culture can influence the current generation’s moral code
How the values of feminists are represented in contemporary cartoons
How pop culture denounces gender inequality
How popular culture promotes gender inequality
Discuss religious conflicts in pop culture
Explain the influence of pop culture on consumer behavior
How does pop culture lead to political apathy?
Is pop culture the reason why society has accepted homosexuality?
How is the fight against terrorism represented in popular culture?

These are great culture research topics that can also be great for speeches and debates. Nevertheless, they also require research to come up with detailed facts and present them properly.

Extraordinary Culture Essay Topics

Students that like thinking outside the box should pick extraordinary popular culture research paper topics. Here are examples of such topics.

Traveling is part of the modern popular culture
Pop culture is important for modern education
What is McDonaldization?
Discuss the American history representation in modern television series
Compare the portrayal of yakuza in Western and Asian pop culture
Contrast the portrayal of yakuza in Western and Asian pop culture
Contrast pop culture and folk culture
How has the childhood concept been changed by pop culture?
How has popular culture influenced the global economy?
Explain your relationship with the popular culture phenomenon
What is Black Dandyism?
Discuss the pop art principles
Explain ethical problems using pop culture’s technologies
What role do anime and manga play in modern popular culture?
How does American popular culture affect the rest of the world?
How is the US criminal justice system represented in pop culture?
How are the US courts represented in pop culture?
Discuss a famous historical personality in pop culture
How is the mentality of children influenced by their faith in superheroes?

Students can choose from a wide range of global, Asian, or American culture topics. However, it’s crucial to pick a pop culture topic that a learner is interested in. Our term paper writers are here to help. They make writing a paper or essay interesting and easy.

100+ Pop Culture Essay Topics

Table of Contents

Pop Culture Essay Topics: Dive into the Pulse of Modern Society

Pop Culture, short for ‘popular culture’, is a fascinating area of study that delves into the various elements of entertainment, fashion, news, and daily living that are prevalent in a society at a given point in time. The culture we consume, whether it’s the music we listen to, the shows we binge-watch, or the trends we follow, gives insights into our values, our beliefs, and our aspirations. Writing a Pop Culture essay offers a unique opportunity to explore these topics in-depth, offering both a critique and appreciation for the world we live in.

What is a Pop Culture Essay?

A Pop Culture essay is an academic or personal narrative that explores the influence and significance of current trends, events, idols, or practices that are widely accepted and followed by a large group of people. It is a reflection of how society perceives and interacts with these elements, and how they in turn shape societal norms and behaviors. From movies to memes, and from fashion fads to viral challenges, Pop Culture essays can dissect any of these aspects to shed light on its larger implications.

Guide to Choosing a Pop Culture Essay Topic

Selecting the perfect topic for a Pop Culture essay starts with personal interest. Think about what you love, what intrigues you, or what you often discuss with friends:

Stay Current: Trends change quickly. Your topic should be relevant to the current cultural climate.
Be Passionate: Choose a topic that excites you. Your enthusiasm will come through in your writing.
Research: Make sure there’s enough information available to support your argument or perspective.
Broaden or Narrow Down: Depending on the assignment’s length, ensure your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Riveting Pop Culture Essay Topics Lists

Television and movies.

The cultural significance of binge-watching
The rise and impact of superhero movies
Representation and diversity in modern television

Music and Artists

The influence of K-pop on global music trends
Evolution of music festivals and their societal impact
The role of music in social activism

Fashion and Trends

Sneaker culture and its rise to prominence
The lasting impact of fast fashion on the environment
The evolution of beauty standards through the decades

Digital Age and Social Media

Memes: A reflection of society or mere entertainment?
The psychology behind viral challenges
Social media influencers: A new age of celebrity

Literature and Books

The young adult genre: A reflection of modern teen struggles
The re-emergence of poetry in the digital age
Post-apocalyptic novels and society’s fascination with the end of the world

Sports and Games

The cultural implications of e-sports
Sports activism and its role in societal change
The rise of niche sports in mainstream media

Art and Performance

The rebirth of street art and its societal messages
The evolution of performance art in the 21st century
Drag culture: From niche to mainstream

Food and Lifestyle

The vegan movement and its cultural implications
Coffee culture and its global significance
Travel trends: From luxury vacations to eco-tourism

Global Events and Movements

Pop culture’s role in promoting environmental awareness
The significance of global award ceremonies like the Oscars and Grammys
Celebrity involvement in political and social movements

Streaming and Digital Content

The impact of streaming platforms on traditional TV
Podcasts: The new radio or a unique medium?
Binge-watching culture and its psychological effects

Diverse Representation

The significance of minority representation in Hollywood
LGBTQ+ representation in modern television shows
The rise of international cinema in global box offices

Modern Technology and Its Influence

The cultural shift from Facebook to TikTok
Virtual reality: The future of entertainment?
The societal implications of AI-generated art and music

Evolving Music Genres

The impact of hip-hop on social justice movements
The re-emergence of vinyl and analog music
The cultural resonance of indie music in the digital age

Politics in Pop Culture

The portrayal of politicians in movies and TV series
The role of celebrities in political campaigns
Satire and political commentary in late-night shows

Evolving Beauty and Fashion Standards

The rise of the body positivity movement
Influences of global fashion trends on local cultures
The impact of digital filters on beauty standards

Gaming Culture

The social dynamics of online multiplayer games
The cultural impact of mobile gaming
Video games as a form of interactive storytelling

Contemporary Literature and Reading Habits

Digital vs. traditional reading: Changing habits and implications
The allure of dystopian novels in today’s society
The growth of self-publishing in the literary world

Youth and Adolescence in Pop Culture

The portrayal of teenagers in contemporary movies
The cultural significance of coming-of-age stories
Gen Z’s influence on pop culture trends

The World of Sports and Athletics

The impact of sports documentaries on fans’ perceptions
The societal implications of athletes taking political stances
The commercialization of amateur sports

Online Communities and Subcultures

The growth and influence of fandoms in shaping media content
The role of Reddit in shaping pop culture discussions
Exploring the “Stan” culture and its origins

Pop Culture and Mental Health

Addressing mental health through TV shows and movies
The role of music in therapy and mental well-being
Social media’s impact on self-esteem and body image

Historical Reflections in Pop Culture

The revival of the ’80s and ’90s trends in fashion and music
Period dramas and their influence on modern perceptions of history
The nostalgia factor: Reboots and remakes in the film industry

Contemporary Art and Design

Streetwear and its roots in urban culture
The influence of social media on modern art consumption
Pop art in the 21st century: Evolution or revolution?

Societal Movements and Pop Culture

The #MeToo movement’s reflection in films and TV shows
Pop culture’s role in the climate change discussion
The cultural implications of the Black Lives Matter movement

Digital Phenomena and Trends

The rise of short video platforms and their influence on attention spans
The allure of unboxing videos and consumer culture
The significance of virtual influencers in advertising and media

Celebrity Culture and Influence

The phenomenon of cancel culture in the digital age
Celebrities’ role in mental health advocacy
How influencers are redefining the meaning of celebrity

Music and Its Changing Dynamics

The resurgence of folk music in mainstream culture
The blurring lines between genres in modern music
The cultural impact of music festivals in the virtual era

Modern Interpretations of Classic Tales

The allure of dark retellings of fairy tales in media
The influence of Greek mythology in today’s pop culture
Contemporary adaptations of Shakespearean plays

Fashion, Sustainability, and Trends

The cultural implications of thrift shopping and upcycling
The influence of Korean fashion on global style trends
The growth and significance of sustainable fashion

Emerging Technologies and Entertainment

The role of augmented reality in art and exhibitions
The emergence of hologram concerts and performances
The influence of cryptocurrency and NFTs in the entertainment industry

Social Issues and Popular Narratives

The portrayal of immigration and cultural identity in movies
The influence of women empowerment anthems in pop music
Pop culture’s response to global crises like pandemics and natural disasters

Internet Cultures and Fandoms

The evolution and impact of fanfiction in literature
The role of internet memes in political and social commentary
The cultural significance of niche internet communities

Need Help Crafting Your Pop Culture Essay?

Crafting an essay on Pop Culture requires a keen eye for detail and a finger on the pulse of current trends. If you need assistance, our essay writing service at writeondeadline.com is here to help! Our experienced writers can bring depth, insight, and flair to your essay, ensuring it stands out.

Useful References

Pop Culture: An Overview – Philosophy Now
Understanding Popular Culture – John Fiske, Routledge
Pop Culture and the Power of Media – International Journal of Communication

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Pop Culture

Pop culture: an overview, tim delaney sets the scene for our philosophical consideration of popular stuff..

The term ‘popular culture’ holds different meanings depending on who’s defining it and the context of use. It is generally recognized as the vernacular or people’s culture that predominates in a society at a point in time. As Brummett explains in Rhetorical Dimensions of Popular Culture , pop culture involves the aspects of social life most actively involved in by the public. As the ‘culture of the people’, popular culture is determined by the interactions between people in their everyday activities: styles of dress, the use of slang, greeting rituals and the foods that people eat are all examples of popular culture. Popular culture is also informed by the mass media.

There are a number of generally agreed elements comprising popular culture. For example, popular culture encompasses the most immediate and contemporary aspects of our lives. These aspects are often subject to rapid change, especially in a highly technological world in which people are brought closer and closer by omnipresent media. Certain standards and commonly held beliefs are reflected in pop culture. Because of its commonality, pop culture both reflects and influences people’s everyday life (see eg Petracca and Sorapure, Common Culture ). Furthermore, brands can attain pop iconic status (eg the Nike swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches). However, iconic brands, as other aspects of popular culture, may rise and fall.

With these fundamental aspects in mind, popular culture may be defined as the products and forms of expression and identity that are frequently encountered or widely accepted, commonly liked or approved, and characteristic of a particular society at a given time . Ray Browne in his essay ‘Folklore to Populore’ offers a similar definition: “Popular culture consists of the aspects of attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, customs, and tastes that define the people of any society. Popular culture is, in the historic use of term, the culture of the people .”

Popular culture allows large heterogeneous masses of people to identify collectively. It serves an inclusionary role in society as it unites the masses on ideals of acceptable forms of behavior. Along with forging a sense of identity which binds individuals to the greater society, consuming pop culture items often enhances an individual’s prestige in their peer group. Further, popular culture, unlike folk or high culture, provides individuals with a chance to change the prevailing sentiments and norms of behavior, as we shall see. So popular culture appeals to people because it provides opportunities for both individual happiness and communal bonding.

Examples of Popular Culture

Examples of popular culture come from a wide array of genres, including popular music, print, cyber culture, sports, entertainment, leisure, fads, advertising and television. Sports and television are arguably two of the most widely consumed examples of popular culture, and they also represent two examples of popular culture with great staying power.

Sports are played and watched by members of all social classes, but (tautologously) the masses are responsible for the huge popularity of sports. Some sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, are consumed by a world community. Sports are pervasive in most societies and represent a major part of many people’s lives. Showing allegiance to a team as a means of self-identification is a common behavior. Further, cheering for a sports team or a favorite athlete is a way any individual can become part of popular culture, as I and Tim Madigan explain in our new book The Sociology of Sport .

Many people watch numerous hours of television everyday. It is such a prevalent aspect of contemporary culture it is difficult to imagine life without it. There are those who believe TV is responsible for the dumbing down of society; that children watch too much television; and that the couch potato syndrome has contributed to the epidemic of childhood obesity. The globally popular TV show The Simpsons provides us with an interesting perspective on television. In the episode ‘Sideshow Bob’s Last Gleaming’ (#137), while doing time in prison, Sideshow Bob becomes a critic of television. Although he was once a regular on The Krusty the Clown Show , Bob has become obsessed by television’s harmful effect on society. Bob argues that everyone’s lives would be much richer if TV were done away with. As a result, he devises a scheme to detonate a nuclear bomb unless all television is abolished in Springfield. Unable to locate Bob, Springfield’s city officials meet to discuss Bob’s demands of abolishing TV. A panicky Krusty proclaims, “Would it really be worth living in a world without television? I think the survivors would envy the dead.” Although there are people who agree with Sideshow Bob, the masses would more likely agree with Krusty: that living in a world without television is not really living. It is even more difficult to imagine a world without popular culture.

Folk and High Culture

Popular culture is usually distinguished from folk and high culture. In some ways, folk culture is similar to pop culture because of the mass participation involved. Folk culture, however, represents the traditional way of doing things. Consequently, it is not as amendable to change and is much more static than popular culture.

Folk culture represents a simpler lifestyle, that is generally conservative, largely self-sufficient, and often characteristic of rural life. Radical innovation is generally discouraged. Group members are expected to conform to traditional modes of behavior adopted by the community. Folk culture is local in orientation, and non-commercial. In short, folk culture promises stability, whereas popular culture is generally looking for something new or fresh. Because of this, popular culture often represents an intrusion and a challenge to folk culture. Conversely, folk culture rarely intrudes upon popular culture. There are times when certain elements of folk culture (eg Turkish rugs, Mexican blankets and Irish fairy tales) find their way into the world of pop culture. Generally, when items of folk culture are appropriated and marketed by the popular culture, the folk items gradually lose their original form.

A key characteristic of popular culture is its accessibility to the masses. It is, after all, the culture of the people. High culture, on the other hand, is not mass produced, nor meant for mass consumption. It belongs to the social elite; the fine arts, opera, theatre, and high intellectualism are associated with the upper socioeconomic classes. Items of high culture often require extensive experience, training, or reflection to be appreciated. Such items seldom cross over to the pop culture domain. Consequently, popular culture is generally looked (down) upon as being superficial when compared to the sophistication of high culture. (This does not mean that social elites do not participate in popular culture or that members of the masses do not participate in high culture.)

The Formation of Popular Culture

Through most of human history, the masses were influenced by dogmatic forms of rule and traditions dictated by local folk culture. Most people were spread throughout small cities and rural areas – conditions that were not conducive to a ‘popular’ culture. With the beginning of the Industrial era (late eighteenth century), the rural masses began to migrate to cities, leading to the urbanization of most Western societies.

Urbanization is a key ingredient in the formation of popular culture. People who once lived in homogeneous small villages or farms found themselves in crowded cities marked by great cultural diversity. These diverse people would come to see themselves as a ‘collectivity’ as a result of common, or popular, forms of expression. Thus, many scholars trace the beginning of the popular culture phenomenon to the rise of the middle class brought on by the Industrial Revolution.

Industrialization also brought with it mass production; developments in transportation, such as the steam locomotive and the steamship; advancements in building technology; increased literacy; improvements in education and public health; and the emergence of efficient forms of commercial printing, representing the first step in the formation of a mass media (eg the penny press, magazines, and pamphlets). All of these factors contributed to the blossoming of popular culture. By the start of the twentieth century, the print industry mass-produced illustrated newspapers and periodicals, as well as serialized novels and detective stories. Newspapers served as the best source of information for a public with a growing interest in social and economic affairs. The ideas expressed in print provided a starting point for popular discourse on all sorts of topics. Fueled by further technological growth, popular culture was greatly impacted by the emerging forms of mass media throughout the twentieth century. Films, broadcast radio and television all had a profound influence on culture.

So urbanization, industrialization, the mass media and the continuous growth in technology since the late 1700s, have all been significant factors in the formation of popular culture. These continue to be factors shaping pop culture today.

Sources of Popular Culture

There are numerous sources of popular culture. As implied above, a primary source is the mass media, especially popular music, film, television, radio, video games, books and the internet. In addition, advances in communication allows for the greater transmission of ideas by word of mouth, especially via cell phones. Many TV programs, such as American Idol and the Last Comic Standing, provide viewers with a phone number so that they can vote for a contestant. This combining of pop culture sources represents a novel way of increasing public interest, and further fuels the mass production of commodities.

Popular culture is also influenced by professional entities that provide the public with information. These sources include the news media, scientific and scholarly publications, and ‘expert’ opinion from people considered an authority in their field. For example, a news station reporting on a specific topic, say the effects of playing violent video games, will seek a noted psychologist or sociologist who has published in this area. This strategy is a useful way of influencing the public and may shape their collective opinions on a particular subject. At the very least, it provides a starting point for public discourse and differing opinions. News stations often allow viewers to call or email in their opinions, which may be shared with the public.

A seemingly contradictory source of popular culture is individualism. Urban culture has not only provided a common ground for the masses, it has inspired ideals of individualistic aspirations. In the United States, a society formed on the premise of individual rights, there are theoretically no limitations to what an individual might accomplish. An individual may choose to participate in all that is ‘popular’ for popularity’s sake; or they may choose a course of action off the beaten track. At times, these ‘pathfinders’ affect popular culture by their individuality. Of course, once a unique style becomes adopted by others, it ceases to remain unique. It becomes, popular.

Tim Delaney is a sociology professor at the State University of New York at Oswego. A member of the Popular Culture Association and the American Culture Association, Delaney is the author of Seinology: The Sociology of Seinfeld and is currently writing a book on The Simpsons that is scheduled for publication in February, 2008. Visit his website at www.booksbytimdelaney.com .

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220 Pop Culture Topics for an A+ Essay

There are many ways to define popular culture. Here’s one of them: pop culture includes mainstream preferences in society within a specific time frame. It covers fashion, music, language, and even food. Pop culture is always evolving, engaging in new trends, and leaving the old ones behind.

This article offers you a list of pop culture topics covering its numerous aspects. Continue reading to find helpful tips on how to choose a perfect topic for your assignment. And don’t forget that custom-writing.org is ready to help you with any task. Check out our resources!

🔝 Top 10 Pop Culture Topics

✅ how to choose a topic.

⭐ Top 10 Pop Culture Essay Topics
🎵 Music Topics
📰 Mass Media Topics
📚 Popular Literature
📺 Movies & T.V.
🇺🇸 American Pop Culture
🌐 Internet Phenomena
✍️ Pop Culture Analysis
🤔 Pop Culture & Social Issues

🔍 References

How is politics related to sport?
Is religion related to pop culture?
Does music affect the fashion industry?
The ways technology affects pop culture
Is traveling a part of modern pop culture?
Pop culture’s impact on consumer behavior
How does globalization affect pop culture?
Is there a negative effect of popular fiction?
Entertainment industry during different generations
How does fandom culture vary around the world?

Choosing a topic is the first step towards completing an assignment. This section will help middle, high school, and college students identify the right subject for an essay. Ask yourself these questions:

What are the requirements? Make sure you understand the task you need to complete.
You are free to choose your topic. Keep in mind the purpose of the course and the material covered in class. Brainstorm your ideas and choose the one you like the most!
You are provided with a list of topics to choose from. In this case, start by reviewing every option. Eliminate the ones you are least excited about. Then, select a subject that seems the most interesting to you.
What do you already know? Of course, you could choose a topic that is brand-new for you. But working with a familiar subject will make the research easier.
What does your instructor say about the topic? Don’t hesitate to consult with your instructors before writing. Make sure that the selected topic fits the requirements.

Now you understand how to select the right subject for your assignment. Let’s see the topic options! If you looked through the list but still haven’t found anything that insterests you, try your luck with an essay ideas generator .

⭐ Top 10 Pop Culture Essay Topics

Gender equality in fashion
Is food a part of pop culture?
Characteristics of pop art
Pop culture vs. folk culture
K-pop culture’s impact on fashion
How cultural appropriation affects media
Consumer culture and the world economy
Entertainment industry and mental health
The role of media in the music industry
Is TikTok a part of modern pop culture?

🎵 Popular Culture Topics about Music

Music never stops changing. It came a long way from hand-crafted instruments to computer programming. You can write about music that was popular in a specific timeframe or discuss the latest trends. Here is a list of topic ideas on this subject.

How did space-age discoveries affect rock music?
Discuss music marketing in the digital era.
Describe the features of Latin American pop music.
What makes K-Pop stand out?
The role of pop music for your generation.
Write about the origin of hip-hop.
Select a time period and write about its music trends.
Analyze the evolution of pop music starting from the 1950s.

Write about the occupational hazards of being a musician.
The origin and development of sunshine pop.
Choose a music album and analyze its impact.
Which pop music era seems the most interesting to you?
Pick a famous band and describe their career path.
Compare two different pieces of music from the 20th century.
What are the main features of rock music?
How do pop songs influence the teenage generation?
The role of radio broadcasting in the pop music industry.
Popular vs. serious music: a comparison.
Talk about a person who largely contributed to pop music.
What are the functions of film music?
Can popular songs influence public opinion on a specific subject?
Why do some people develop a very negative attitude towards pop music?
Describe the role of music in your life.
Do famous artists influence the lifestyle of their fans?
Discover why some entertainers remain famous even after their death.

📰 Mass Media Pop Culture Essay Topics

Popular culture exists and survives because of the mass media. With its help, it reaches and unites billions of people. Television, radio, and newspapers are the main outlets of mass media. Here is the list of media-related pop culture topics to write about.

Do magazines publish celebrity gossip too often?
Describe the way mass media dictates fashion standards to young adults.
Analyze the link between pop culture and mass media in the U.S.
Does mass media influence the preferences of the audience?
Describe how the media contributes to stereotypes about minorities.
Should newspapers expose sensitive details about celebrities’ lives?
How can one make sure not to consume fake news?
Analyze the peculiarities of New Journalism.
Discover the influence of the New York Times on the press.
Write about radio stations contributing to pop culture in the past.
Discuss racial stereotyping on television.
Talk about an influential online news resource.
Body as a subject in media and marketing.
What kind of pop culture topics are not broadcast via mass media?
Would you consider Twitter a mass media source?
Talk about the media and the global public sphere.
Write about promotional campaigns via mass media.
Is it possible for an artist to gain fame without the internet?
Which websites are known for spreading fake news ?
How to avoid information overload nowadays?
Conduct a semiotic analysis of a perfume commercial.
Can pop culture survive without American media?
Describe the American Idol phenomenon.
Talk about the internet’s effects on journalism.
Which influencers do you personally prefer and why?

📚 Modern Popular Literature Essay Topics

This section will be fun for book lovers! The term “popular literature” refers to writings intended for a broad audience. It’s no surprise that such books often become bestsellers. You can describe this type of writing as fiction with a strong plot. Look at this list of topic ideas for a great analytical, argumentative, or informative essay.

Describe the magic of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.
Discover the initial public opinion about The Handmaid’s Tale .
Why did The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo become a bestseller?
Principles used in Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson.
Why did Enduring Love by Ian McEwan gain popularity?
What charmed the readers of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton?
Discuss the theme of change in Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee.
Discover the way the sad ending in The Lucky One affected the readers.
Orange Is the New Black: Netflix series vs. book.
What made The Wednesday Letters different from other love novels?

How did The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins become iconic?
Describe the characters of Katherine Min’s Courting a Monk .
Discover the way Atonement by Ian McEwan impacted the readers.
What values are encouraged in Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks?
Discuss the initial public opinion about Life of Pi by Yann Martel .
Self-awareness in The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman.
Analyze the success of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie .
Discuss the literary issues of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air.
How did the public accept the controversial message of The Da Vinci Code ?
Did Aziz Ansari’s reputation contribute to the fame of his book Modern Romance ?
What made The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer popular?
Analyze the fanbase of The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.
What draws the readers to Confessions of a Shopaholic ?
Explore confession and forgiveness in The Lovely Bones.
Why did The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield gain popularity?

📺 Pop Culture Topics: Movies and T.V.

Movies and T.V. shows are an integral part of U.S. culture. This category includes films based on popular literature and all-time-classic movies. T.V. production is often accompanied by a massive amount of merchandise that fills clothing and toy stores. The following list will help you select an on-point essay topic.

Write about the way the Star Wars saga unifies several generations.
The Wizard of Oz in relation to populist movement.
Analyze the impact of King Kong on cinema.
What makes New York City an iconic location for movies?
Describe the role of fandom in pop culture.
Is it better to watch a movie at home vs. in theater?
Why is Lord of the Rings considered one of the greatest trilogies?
Define the genre of Scarface.
How does Groundhog Day relate to Buddhism?
Did The X-Files inspire conspiracy theories?
Analyze the way Friends logo entered the clothing industry.
Write about the role of the media in Jerry Maguire.
Why did the movie Aliens become popular?
Discover the effects of Western movies on Arab youth.
What has brought Terminator into pop culture?
Write about the impact Rocky had on viewers.
Discuss what fans appreciate about The Matrix movies.
Racism and masculinity in A Soldier’s Story.
Write about a successful Marvel movie .
What makes D.C. movies iconic?
Describe the role of social workers in Crash.
Discuss the periods of The Simpsons ’ fame.
Analyze the way Parks and Recreation reflect the U.S. culture.
Talk about your favorite blockbuster.
Should government control the contents of T.V. shows?

🇺🇸 American Pop Culture Topics

The history of the United States was always reflected in various art forms. Today its pop culture highlights social identity and carries on the American heritage. In this section, you can explore the elements that contribute to American pop culture.

How did globalization impact American pop culture ?
Analyze the influence of the American movie industry on the world.
Write about Hispanic American culture.
Explore the place of alien encounters narrative within American culture.
Write about a specific period of American pop culture.
Examine the popularity of American movies overseas.
Write about the history and influence of Halloween.
Discover the economic value of the American entertainment industry.
Write about an aspect of the American pop culture you’re most proud of.

What would you like to change about the U.S. pop industry?
American folk culture vs. pop culture.
Which countries are not influenced by American culture at all?
Describe the role of T.V. broadcasting for the U.S.
Talk about American fast food as a part of pop culture.
Discover vacation destinations in and outside of the U.S.
Why is so much of today’s pop culture focused on the 80s?
How significant is Disney for Americans?
Discover the roots of U.S. pop culture.
How does the American pop industry portray sexuality?
Analyze the way pop culture unifies American citizens.
What are the destructive trends prevalent in the U.S.?
Discuss gender roles in American cartoons.
What does American pop teach about lifestyle?
How quickly do new fashion trends spread across the U.S.?
Discuss the way the U.S. pop culture reflects its historical values.

🌐 Popular Culture Essay Topics on Internet Phenomena

The internet is the ultimate means of communication worldwide. The rise of online trends is quite unpredictable, which is why it’s called internet phenomena. Memes, videos, challenges will be the focus of this section. Continue reading to find a fun essay topic!

What purpose was intended for the Ice bucket challenge ?
What made the dab famous worldwide?
Describe a dangerous internet phenomenon.
Why were teens attracted to the fire challenge?
Analyze the way Harlem Shake went viral.
What is people’s attitude towards social media?
How does something become an internet phenomenon?
Describe the influence of the Thriller dance on the world.
Debate the ethics of Coffin Dance.
What’s the reason for Gangnam Style’s fame?
How did the Momo challenge turn into a worldwide phenomenon?
Write about an internet phenomenon that emerged in 2020.
Talk about an online challenge you participated in.
What made Bongo Cat famous for many years?
Write about a politics-themed online phenomenon.
What distinguishes popular video games nowadays?
Analyze the role of TikTok in song advertisement.
Write about a comics book that gained popularity online.
Discover online challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Describe the Bernie Sanders phenomenon among college students.
What internet phenomena are popular amongst the older generation?
Discuss the outcomes of a viral fundraising challenge.
Talk about one of the earliest internet phenomena.
How did the first memes appear on the internet?
Write about a web cartoon that qualifies as an internet phenomenon.

✍️ Pop Culture Analysis Topics to Write About

Pop culture includes many components you could write about. For an analytical paper, feel free to pick any aspect of pop culture. You can focus on positive, negative, or controversial factors. Make sure to use academic resources and professional critique. Here are some topic examples of your future paper.

How does pop culture impact public health?
Analyze Coca Cola marketing strategies from the sensory perspective.
Will the entertainment industry survive without encouraging predatory behavior?
What percentage of the U.S. population is currently involved with pop culture ?
Analyze a popular culture artifact of your choice.
What makes a pop song relatable?
Why is popular literature often made into films?
How does Instagram affect people’s lives?
Will your generation be drawn to pop culture decades from now?
How can one become famous in the age of informational overload?
Analyze the price one is paying for remaining popular.

Why do some classic paintings become a commodity?
Write about a person who significantly impacted T.V.
Pick a T.V. show and analyze its rise to popularity.
Discover how one becomes an influencer.
Do video games have any positive effects?
In what ways does politics influence pop culture?
How necessary is funding for the pop industry?
Why have memes become a popular form of communication?
What things should celebrities stop promoting?
Analyze YouTube’s contributions to pop culture.
Talk about the important messages in current pop music.
What catches the attention of modern consumers?
How did the 2020 pandemic influence pop culture?
What happens to famous artists who quit their career?

🤔 Popular Culture and Social Issues Essay Topics

Pop culture reveals social issues and creates new ones. In your paper, consider various aspects of society. Think about popular culture’s effect on different generations, languages, or values. The following list will help you select an interesting essay topic.

Describe ways in which pop culture divides social groups.
Do pop songs represent the voice of society?
What social issues does pop music contribute to?
Analyze the media’s influence on women’s self-image.
How does an expectation of the zombie apocalypse affect the Americans?
The impact of T.V. shows on self-realization amongst teenagers.
Does popular literature disconnect teenagers from society?
Why do people incorporate fictional characters in protest marches?
What do modern toys teach children about body image ?
Did pop culture contribute to social unrest in the U.S.?
Discover the way popular movies contribute to discrimination.
In what ways do memes influence public opinion?
Analyze the effects of mass media on one’s sexuality.
Examine the impact of YouTube on young adults’ career choices.
Does pop culture promote promiscuous behavior?
Describe the way modern movies stigmatize obesity.
What family values are projected in today’s mass media?
Explore the harming side of fandoms .
Does mainstream media sabotage social norms or encourage them?
Do pop songs encourage rebellious behavior amongst teens?
What kind of lesson does pop culture teach about gender?
Correlation between mobile games and the overuse of display devices.
Discover stereotypes that are prevalent in the pop industry nowadays.
Analyze the effect of television on bullying.
In what light does pop culture portray religion?

We hope you found this article helpful and choose an excellent topic for your assignment. Now go ahead and write an A+ essay on pop culture!

Pop Culture Essay – Thoughts on Writing

The very concept of culture is rather broad – that’s why in order to write a good paper, it is better to focus on some kind of culture. For the purposes of this blog post, let’s focus on pop culture.

The benefits of writing on pop culture is that you, as the writer, have already experienced it and are experiencing it almost every day of your life.

What you hear from your car’s radio, what you see on TV, and what you find browsing online make up the pop culture of the modern time. In other words, a pop culture is the combination of images, perspectives, opinions, ideas and other components that are mainstream within a certain national culture.

The emergence of the pop culture

The term itself appeared in the 19th century and at first was associated only with those social strata that lacked education and were on the lower end of the income ladder. The pop culture was opposed to the official culture with its higher education and income standards.

After the World War II, the term acquired the new meaning of “mass” culture, or “consumerism” culture.

Even though the word “pop” is short for “popular,” the two have a difference in meaning. While “popular” is used to characterize a phenomenon that acquired popularity, “pop” has a narrower meaning of something that has qualities of mass appeal.

There are as many as six definitions of popular culture, none of which covers the full range of meanings.

How to write about pop culture?

There are SO many ways to write about pop culture, and we will only name a few possible directions you could follow.

High class and low-class cultures – what are they?
The message that the pop culture sends
The impact of pop culture on religion
The roots of counterculture
The responsibility of those producing popular culture to those consuming it
The issue of low-quality popular culture – is it possible for a pop culture to be of a low quality at all?
Can popular culture be an advocate of positive social changes?
Pop culture values – why people trade genuine talent for mass appeal?
The likely development of pop culture
Comparison of pop cultures of different decades
What could and could not be predicted in the development of the pop culture of the previous years?
The chances and the mechanism of a niche cultural movement being destroyed by people who don’t understand it
The influence of pop culture on shaping the personality
All things Andy Warhol as the father of pop art movement
The tattoo art as a part of the pop culture
Hip hop and its appeal for masses
The influence of pop music on social events
The influence of music on our social choices
The subjectivity in evaluation of classic and popular music quality
Where does the line between low class and high-cžlass music lie?
Pop music and its role in promoting the values of globalization
The current state of pop music
All things The Beatles
Narcotics abuse by major pop music figures
Michael Jackson as a key figure in the development of pop music
The complicated relationship of online piracy and pop culture
The influence of reality TV on the development and shaping of popular culture
The role of soap operas in popular culture
Media as sources of pop culture
The influence of the online world on popular culture and our choices within it
The impact of advertising on popular culture
The contribution of reality TV into the development of pop culture
All things The Simpsons as a quintessence of pop culture
Celebrity worshipping as a part of popular culture
The difference between celebrity worshipping and hero worshipping

Music, art, literature, movies – there are virtually no limits as long as you make a point by carefully choosing and presenting arguments. This is the beauty of writing creative papers, so use it as much as you can.

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How Do We Talk About Race and Pop Culture Without Going Insane?

Pop culture has been in a state of upheaval and growth in recent years, leading to fascinating art and even more complex conversations. When Wesley Morris’s essay “ The Morality Wars ” was published by the New York Times yesterday, it set off a renewed conversation about pop culture today — how it is consumed, how it has changed, what we feel comfortable critiquing, and where it may be going in a fraught atmosphere in which politics are pointedly important and beloved stars are “canceled” in the wake of various moral missteps and failures. While some critics praised the piece , others felt it painted an incomplete, even disingenuous picture of the modern media landscape. Vulture gathered a group of critics — our own Angelica Jade Bastién and E. Alex Jung, Vulture contributors Jasmine Sanders and Miriam Bale, and BuzzFeed critic Alison Willmore, to consider a host of questions. Namely, what is the responsibility of critics — particularly critics of color — in an age in which representation and cancel culture have become intrinsic to conversations around art?

Let’s start by talking about what brought us all here in the first place: Wesley Morris’s recent critical essay about social justice, morality wars, and what they mean for art right now. One of his main points is that it’s nearly impossible to critique art made by people of color in today’s climate. What are your thoughts on the essay? Do you think Morris grapples with this tangled issue well?

Angelica Jade Bastién: Wesley Morris taps into a very fascinating topic that I have been talking about amongst friends and colleagues in private. We are in a very interesting place in regards to how we discuss art in which our expectations of it — particularly politically — has changed in dramatic and necessary ways. But I found his essay to be improperly framed. Part of the problem is he casts a wide net of examples that don’t quite work when discussed together. The other issue is, there are in fact a lot of writers of color giving complex, nuanced conversations of, say, work like Insecure (which I hope I did in critiquing the failures of this season ) on aesthetic and political levels; they just aren’t always happening in the New York Times . Didn’t Robin Givhan write a fairly nuanced critique of Beyoncé’s Vogue cover ? There’s also something oddly conservative about discussing this as an era of “morality wars.” Let’s be real — people aren’t really getting canceled. Louis C.K. has wormed his way back into the spotlight . I also found Morris’s hand-waving of the very valid critiques of Zadie Smith’s Get Out essay to be reductive. In discussing these works, Morris reflects the same myopia he is trying to critique.

Jasmine Sanders: I thought the essay began with a compelling premise: Wesley, a black man and black cultural critic, offering a critique of a prominent black work, Insecure . It was interesting to see Wesley posit the critique, and ensuing melee, within a personal context — he’s at a dinner party, among friends. It’s a reminder that criticism isn’t isolated to the internet, or even writing. After that opening bit, the essay got a bit unwieldy for me — an interpretation of certain cultural phenomena that felt a bit misrepresented or mischaracterized.

Miriam Bale: Angelica, it’s interesting that you refer to it as Zadie Smith’s Get Out essay (which it was) when Morris did not really cover that aspect of the essay. He focused entirely on her reaction to Dana Schutz’s “Open Casket” painting of Emmett Till. Which is interesting because he’s been very supportive of Get Out , while Smith, months after it had been in the theaters, gave one of the first prominent negative reactions to the film (or negative reactions to the positive reactions) — that is, after Armond White . He also mentions the critical reaction to her use of the word “quadroons.” Was that your fault, Jasmine?

JS: I am claiming responsibility for the quadroon discourse, Miriam. I think that what Wesley took to be a “canceling” (which I’m not sure I believe to be an actual thing; that the term has a pithiness, an air of finality, that the thing does not) was largely just disagreement and discussion. I don’t recollect there being a call for Zadie’s “canceling.” My fascination with Zadie referring to her children as “quadroons” is that it pointed to how deeply race/racism has rendered us all completely insane. This biracial black woman has married a white man and is referring to their progeny, albeit cheekily, by antebellum slave terms. Quadroon, mulatto, etc. are funny to see online because they’re so anachronistic, you know? But they also conjure the history of sexual violence inherent in slavery. Seeing Zadie invoke them was so wildly intriguing.

Alison Willmore: Morris’s flattening of everything into “canceling” is maybe the most frustrating thing about that essay to me, and echoes in an unfortunate way other pieces I’ve read that want to posit that various things have “gone too far.” As you pointed out, Angelica, he cites a lot of examples that don’t feel like they belong together. Ian Buruma was “canceled” because of what many felt were failures in his role as editor of the New York Review of Books . Insatiable was “canceled” because the internet hated it, except, as he notes, Netflix renewed it for a second season. Zadie Smith was “canceled” because people disagreed with what she wrote and how she wrote it.

JS: He also rubs up against one of the more prickly aspects of so called “cancel culture”: Bill Cosby still has ardent supporters. It’s so, so subjective. One can be “canceled” in one niche community of the internet and be perfectly fine in another. Wesley revealed a lot of his own biases in this essay.

MB: The problem with the essay, for me, came from the idea of “goodness.” Not just Morris’s device of “good work” versus moral goodness. But focusing on the idea of “good” versus “bad.” His focus on quality leads him to support The Cosby Show as objectively good art! It is entertaining and memorable, yes. But what are the show’s implicit values? They’re quite conservative. And of course it came to define a generation (maybe generations?) of respectability politics. Those respectability politics and conservative values are something not tied directly to Cosby’s rapes, but are, in a way, tied to his obsession with and abuse of power.

E. Alex Jung: Someone texted me and said that the essay would have been a good cocktail conversation, but not a written piece. To that end, Morris used a lot of compelling, but slightly glib arguments that certainly would have gone down better with an Old Fashioned in hand. The only thing I’d add is that his historical comparison to the panic of the “Moral Majority” of the late ’80s and ’90s struck me as a selective reading of history. Yes, the religious right was attacking the NEA and major art institutions, but the white liberal critical establishment was also attacking works by people of color and dismissing it as “identity politics.” There is the game-changing Whitney Biennial in 1992 that featured works by predominantly people of color that was a critique of the art institution itself and made (white) critics practically apoplectic. It was also when Bill T. Jones staged “Still/Here,” which Arlene Croce at The New Yorker famously refused to see and yet still decided to review, calling it “victim art.” This is to say, we were having the same exact conversations back then that we are now. The major difference is that people of color have slightly more power today in shaping mainstream discourse.

AW: Oh, it was definitely a cocktail conversation — I think there’s a reason it started with that anecdote about the dinner party, and that’s why it felt like it was building a wide-reaching and messy argument on top of something very personal. It’s something I have no doubt we’ve all talked about in private, which is what it feels like to not like, or not relate to, something that is supposed to be for us, or for some larger group under whose umbrella we fall.

That’s a good lead-in to the next question, Alison. Do you think there’s some truth to the points Wesley’s raises? For example, have the conversations around politics and morality affected or ever made you doubt your own voice as a critic? Was there ever a movie or show you wanted to critique, but felt you couldn’t because of the larger swell of public support and marketing surrounding it (i.e. Crazy Rich Asians, Get Out , etc.)? Basically, are you ever scared of critiquing certain things because you’ll get attacked online for it?

JS: As a person who dislikes everything all of the time, I now err on the side of caution with what I publish. There’s also the fact of the media milieu making that decision for you. Black women are already so rarely called upon to critique films. I’m trying to gauge the likelihood of a “critical take” being accepted, and I don’t think it’s very high. It feels like we’re in an era where everything black… is amazing. BlacKkKlansman is amazing. Sorry to Bother You is amazing. It kind of makes my head spin. I went to a screening for a movie, in which I was one of four black people in the theater. The movie ended and the white audience members literally stood and applauded. Afterwards, in the bathroom, I ran into another black woman who basically said, “Okay, what did you really think?” Criticism can feel like that. I’m also a very new critic so I’m prone to second-guessing, self-doubt, etc.

AJB: For me that movie is Get Out. I never wrote about the film in-depth mostly because I felt burned-out by the conversation and was worried I would get intense backlash. I have critiqued beloved works by black people and gotten intense backlash from all corners — both from black fans and white critics. Sometimes I feel like the risk isn’t worth it. Jasmine is so right. We are in a strange era in which everything black is being considered amazing out of some odd corrective measure. But guess what? Black people can make trash, too. I mean y’all saw Sorry to Bother You with its 101 politics and horse dicks all throughout the third act!

EAJ: To Wesley’s credit, I do think the anxiety he’s feeling is one that we feel when it comes to these questions of when to critique something, and how vociferously. Many of you have written really thoughtful and provocative criticism of the shows that have that air of untouchability around them. (Angelica, I’m thinking of how you critiqued The Handmaid’s Tale during season one of all times.) I do feel like what I end up doing is a calculus over whether something is worth it or not — both for whatever personal blowback I might get and whether it seems like a valuable conversation to have. And the fact that, for instance, I do have an investment in Asian-Americans representing and making good work means that whatever critique I make will be coming from a place of knowing just how little we’ve had. So maybe it’s not such a terrible thing that I think extra hard about whether it’s worth dunking on Dr. Ken . (And I have!)

JS: I thought Wesley’s expression of anxiety was incredibly relatable.

AW: I definitely felt relief when I liked Crazy Rich Asians . There have been so few American movies with primarily Asian casts, it creates the added pressure that to critique a movie like that might somehow hurt the future of Asian-American studio film.

AJB: That’s a good point, Alison. I often feel the pull to be kinder to works starring and made by people of color, particularly black and Latinx folks, because of my background. But I always end up deciding that doing so would be a disservice to myself as a critic and to my readers.

AW: It’s funny — when I didn’t like Ocean’s 8 , someone claimed I was using “Gamergate language,” which I thought was hilarious. Part of the challenge here is that creators and studios and networks have started to use language about representation in talking about their own work — and they should! — but it becomes a kind of shield. Like, it’s possible to think Ocean’s 8 is a bad movie without wondering if you’re dealing with internalized misogyny.

JS: The temptation to be the one brave enough to say, “No, I certainly did NOT like Frozen ” and publish some polemic is also real. I try to weigh/consider all of these things.

EAJ: I think some of the problems in criticism are coming less from “cancel culture” and more from stan culture, where a lot of us (I include myself) are performing an undying fealty to some person, place, idea, or thing. (Yes, those are two sides of the same coin.) Generally, I sense quietness now when something doesn’t quite land. When people don’t really like something, they just don’t say much about it. That’s been very telling.

AJB: I’m glad you brought up stan culture, Alex. Fandom and stan culture has become one of the most myopic and often nastiest aspects of the modern pop-culture landscape. People are nearly religious zealots about what they love to the point where even a measured critical essay about something is taken as being a “hater” and can get a writer death threats. A lot of this comes down to how what people love has become a marker of identity and how the representation that people have rightly been clamoring for has become a marker of identity as well.

When it comes to critiquing POC-fronted works, how do you see the conversation playing out differently among white critics and critics of color? Does it ever feel like there are separate conversations happening? Relatedly, do you ever feel like it’s not “your place” to critique a work? And do you think that applies to other critics?

JS: I struggle with thinking it’s my place in a published piece; my Twitter is like the gladiator arena — we can fight to the death in there. I have only recently realized that there should be such a delineation.

AW: Weirdly, I feel better about writing pieces that take on things I’m maybe scared about. Twitter I’ve been fading off of recently just because I feel like everything becomes a fight, and at least in a piece I can make a whole argument before people start yelling at me.

AJB: To get more to the question, it is sometimes startling to see how much of a different conversation is going on between white critics and critics of color. Even with Wesley’s piece, my timeline was starkly divided.

MB: Yes. And, going back to Twitter, the difference between the public conversation and the one in the DMs.

AJB: I think white critics are in a weird crisis right now. I’ve seen some … interesting pushback to critics of color who talk a lot about politics. Which on one hand, I do think some critics of color who are new to the game do not know how to balance talking about aesthetics, the history of the medium, and the political dimension of a work. On the other hand, white critics remain a mess in many ways, too. But that is also on editors who are pushing young critics of color to do these clickbait-y, angry, not all that nuanced criticism of art from a distinctly and sometimes solely political perspective. This is something I have been thinking about a lot.

EAJ: It felt like Wesley was yearning for the days of classical exegesis when we’re ideally in a space where critical discussion is considering a lot of different aspects of production, history, aesthetics, and political content. Part of the problem with the spate of “is this good or bad for the culture” critiques is that you still have a raft of white editors who are the gatekeepers. To use a specific example, I was struck by the L.A. Review of Books review of Morgan Jerkins’s This Will Be My Undoing . The writer said she had submitted it to multiple places and it had been rejected. I thought it was a smart, tough piece of criticism that, regardless of whether you “agreed” with it or not, was worth publishing. Of course I don’t know what the pitching process was, but it’s not hard for me to imagine that there may have been a reluctance on the part of white editors to publish something that was critical of a black female memoir.

JS: White people are absolutely in crisis. It’s so interesting to consider how something is only “racial” once it’s not white. If it’s about whiteness, it’s about race as well. But most Americans have no idea how to begin excising their own racial identity.

One of the implications of Wesley’s piece was that art itself is less interesting now because of the pressure to be politically correct. Do you think there’s any truth to that?

EAJ: I’m a little ambivalent about this. I do think art is slightly less interesting, but I don’t think it’s because of political correctness, but rather commercialism. The ties between capital and art or artistic production are only getting more intertwined, and when something must have monetary value first , as well as artistic value, things start to get less interesting. I was thinking about what Donald Glover said in his New Yorker profile — “The system is set up so only white people can change things” — because it is a system of white capitalism that’s determining whether something has “value,” whether that’s actual or potential.

That said, if we’re comparing television (a populist, inherently commercial medium) then to now, it’s certainly better now. It’s also somewhat about where you direct your gaze: I’ve written about this before, but comedy is way more interesting now than it ever has been thanks to the rise of alt-comedy spaces and queer comics. They’re edgy, gross, boundary-pushing, and fucking weird.

JS: Yes! There’s a critic I adore, Tobi Haslett ( @TobiHaslett ) who created this amazing thread about the relationship between art, the academy, critics, and commerce. Danielle Butler ( @Daniecal ) was another super-insightful, incisive thread. They’re two very even-keeled, funny writers who I always look to, something like a lodestar, when conversations like this happen.

AJB: I totally agree, Jasmine! I always look to @daniecal when something pops off. Her perspective on Twitter is a balm and a clarion call. And for the record, I agree with you, Alex. I am also ambivalent on this. The issue is complicated. I think Hollywood film is at its least interesting point in a long time. But television is so fascinating and rich with a lot of options. It all depends on where you are looking. That feminism and so forth have been co-opted to both market pop culture and give it the veneer of progress is a big problem, and it makes art boring as hell.

AW: Oh, agreed, Alex. It’s been depressing to me the degree to which the conversation about POC creators has focused on getting to make mainstream work and be hired by large media companies but so much less on elevating work made outside the system. I don’t want to discount the latter! Or the importance of getting people paid and shifting who’s in power within those structures. But it’s often the least interesting and least daring source of art.

AJB: Alison, you bring up a really good point about how progress for people of color equals being swept up in the mainstream and — I’ll take it further — having the same markers of success as white people. I say burn it all down. The most interesting work to me is happening outside of the system in many ways. But that has always been true in one way or another.

We are in a time where it’s truly impossible to separate the art from the artist. How much do you think about the author of a story as you’re writing about it?

AJB: This is a really complex question. I want to answer the first part a bit personally. When Kathryn Bigelow’s film Detroit came out, I was still freelance and did a review for RogerEbert.com which exploded because I wrote this: “Watching Detroit I realized that I’m not interested in white perceptions of black pain. White filmmakers, of course, have every right to make stories that highlight the real and imagined histories of racism and police brutality that pointedly affect Black America. There are, of course, a litany of films by white filmmakers about subject matter unique to the black experience that I find moving — The Color Purple comes to mind. But Steven Spielberg’s film was based on a novel by Alice Walker and produced by Quincy Jones. Detroit was directed, written, produced, shot, and edited by white creatives who do not understand the weight of the images they hone in on with an unflinching gaze.”

I have never received more hate mail and criticism from white and black critics accusing me of saying white people can’t write/direct films about black pain, which is not what I said. It angered me because I feel there is a way to discuss how the makers of a piece of art might be myopic due to their background, which prevents them from meeting the goals they set out for with a film. I don’t think you can separate art from the artist. But most of what we are talking about are very collaborative mediums, and for the most part, I am pretty anti-auteur theory. Which is to say, this is a complex issue that changes depending on the work we are talking about, the production process, and so forth.

MB: I was haunted by something Bigelow said to Variety during the promotion for Detroit : “I thought, ‘Am I the perfect person to tell this story?’ No, however, I’m able to tell this story…” I see many “allies” with that logic. It seems that question of who is able to tell stories should be more a primary concern.

AW: I feel like “art from artist” arguments have always been bullshit, or at least deployed selectively.

EAJ: It’s funny how many critics have coded work by women and people of color as personal or “autobiographical,” whereas work by white men is somehow transcendent of that.

AJB: Ain’t that the truth, Alex. That just puts into harsh relief how we (as in critics, generally) talk so differently about the work of people of color and white people.

As much as we can’t separate those the art and the artist, does it ever feel like it simplifies the conversation around art, where a “good person” translates to a “good work” and a bad person therefore creates “bad work.” For example, after the Junot D í az controversy, in which he was accused of sexual misconduct , there was a lot of criticism of his previous work — was some of it valid, and did some of it conflate him with his work?

JS: For the record, I did stan Junot for a period, but I do agree with the summation that a man writing abusive male characters … may or may not himself be an abusive male character. The same with lots of male auteurs and creators. I think we’re smart enough to not conflate character and art, or I hope so. I don’t know if there was a conflation with Díaz or just a retrospective enlightenment? Hindsight is 20/20, etc.

EAJ: There is a conflation happening around personhood and the work itself that’s now part of “branding.” You definitely see some people trying to use that as cover to inoculate themselves from criticism.

AW: Like Dan Fogelman blaming white male critics for Life Itself ’s bad reviews !

EAJ: That was some of the most suspect co-opting of social justice rhetoric in 2018!

Let’s talk about how art and politics intersect in 2018, when it comes to the work itself. Does the way some works focus so intently on the experience of racism/sexism/etc. lead to characters who have no interiority beyond the message they’re supposed to communicate?

MB: I have become very suspect of any recent work that adds in a police shooting of a black person for topicality and gravitas.

AW: I was just hanging out with a friend, who’s an indigenous filmmaker, who was telling me about how a lot of the work she’s been seeing from her community, especially people starting out, is focused on instances of oppression and racism rather than lives in which those things are an element, and it frustrated her. I feel like there are a lot of structures in place, both commercial and in terms of grants, that incentivize that kind of work in a lot of POC communities, because it fits an idea about what is “important.” It frustrates me, too — like, the lens through which we get to see POC characters is often so narrow and so focused on pain.

MB: There’s a current movement called “Afro Bubblegum” that calls for films about Africa to be fun, fierce, and frivolous, for exactly those reasons, Alison. And I feel that impulse! On the other hand, the only film I’ve seen from that movement, Rafiki , was pretty mediocre. (You didn’t hear that from me! Another instance of proving Wesley correct.)

JS: There are definitely those plainly obligatory, utilitarian characters in books and film. They always feel hollow or arbitrary; I’m thinking of Donald Glover’s appearance in season two of Girls . Like, just let the show be white, I’m fine with a white show! (I think that Girls is as much about white East Coast womanhood, though not ladyhood, which I perceive as something different.)

AJB: Sometimes it is okay for a show to not be intersectional — sometimes it is actually dishonest when it is. The girls of Girls not being close to or interacting with people of color much reminded me of white women I have known who lead insular lives. Like, that is a real thing that happens.

EAJ: I did a recent interview with Alan Yang where he talked about how he got some criticism about his new show, Forever , because it wasn’t explicitly about race. And yet, there were a lot of little touches about race that you could pick up on that aren’t as explicit. It’s about race even if it’s not about “oppression.”

AW: I have definitely heard creators of color talk about feeling pressure to make stories about their communities, and some of that is self-created pressure — when there’s a dearth of people who look like you onscreen, and you’re in a position to do a little bit to change that, you tend to feel like you should. But, to Alex’s point about Alan Yang, I think a lot about Justin Lin taking over The Fast and the Furious series and slowly pushing it from being this dumb Point Break -but-with-cars (as if anything else could ever live up to Point Break !) to being this gloriously dumb multiethnic ensemble series that snuck in a stealth Asian male lead, and the power that comes with working with material that isn’t inherently, in this case, Asian-American, and inserting that POV anyway.

EAJ: Tokyo Drift is the best of the franchise and Sung Kang should have been a fucking movie star and I will take that with me to my grave.

I feel like there’s a deep parallel between this and the Memoir Industrial Complex that often asks for women and people of color to cut themselves open and share their pain and trauma. It still seems like it’s ultimately for a white gaze, and that’s why I feel ambivalent towards those works, because often I think they’re not doing something formally inventive or challenging, but merely playing into a genre that renders their subjectivity as abject and easily digestible for a white readership.

This is a great way to get into the final question. What are examples of works that strike the right balance between having a strong political intent and being artistically dynamic?

MB: I think the goal is not a balance between political and artistic goals, because all art is political. Superior work is going to be so political that it transcends partisan views, and is no longer about right and wrong sides but instead criticizes every view, including your own. Good artwork should make everyone uncomfortable. I’m trying to think of an example! (The only thing that comes to mind is Eastwood, but I don’t really want to get into that.)

EAJ: Right. Work by women and people of color often gets marked as “political” in part because their effects are counter to the current regime, whereas something like Home Improvement would have been seen as apolitical because it followed the smooth grain of patriarchy.

AW: The term “political” has gotten weirdly and unfortunately claimed by a certain type of reactive Twitter troll as a slight. What I’m really interested in is our having more conversations about aesthetic choices in addition to social/political/content-focused ones, because I feel like criticism (and I don’t excuse my own writing from this) leans really heavily toward the latter at the moment.

AJB: You also can’t adequately even critique the political dimension of a work — especially mediums as visual/aural as film and television — without bringing in the aesthetics of a piece.

EAJ: Totally. Aesthetics and politics are separated far too often, when in fact, one informs the other. Maggie Nelson’s The Argonauts (which, it should be said, has a troubled relationship with race), many episodes of Atlanta (“Teddy Perkins” most recently), Moonlight , BPM , Jane the Virgin , and a boatload of queer comedy feel aesthetically vital because they upend conventions, challenge form, and are also really fucking well-crafted.

AW: Maybe because we’ve been talking about it offline, Alex, but the first thing that came to mind for me is Lee Chang-dong’s Burning , which is at once a mesmerizingly good, beautifully crafted thriller and a bitterly incisive exploration of class. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, or Steven Yeun’s dead-eyed yawns. And I thought The Rider , my favorite film of the year so far, was an amazing look at masculinity and economic precariousness and life on a reservation, while feeling the need to give none of these elements the double underscore.

MB: I agree Atlanta is a great example. I also like when white artists address whiteness, like Lena Dunham at her best in Girls , but not necessarily when she thinks she’s doing it, when she makes it opposed to blackness. The politics and style of Alice Rohrwacher’s Lazzaro Felice serve each other well. It’s hard to think of many American examples.

AJB: When I think of works that are actively thinking about power, politics, and are also formally inventive, my mind doesn’t immediately think of the present but the past — I feel noir during Hollywood’s classic period did this beautifully. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , Jane the Virgin, Killing Eve, Annihilation , Jennifer Phang’s amazing film Advantageous (if she doesn’t have a long, great career as a director I will be livid) are all good examples. These days, I feel a lot of heavy genre works are the most interesting. Horror, noir, and science fiction offer a fascinating set of tools, values, and aesthetic experimentation that allows filmmakers to hit on these notes very well.

Hearing your responses urges me to be more exact when it comes to discussing these matters, personally and critically. Like Alison, I deeply want more nuanced criticism that takes into consideration the aesthetics, production, and medium’s history when it comes to pop culture, while keeping in mind the social and political.

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The Enigma of Paul McCartney’s Alleged Death: a Deep Dive into the Conspiracy Theory

This essay about the conspiracy theory that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike explores its origins, evidence, and cultural impact. It discusses how fans interpreted clues from The Beatles’ music and album artwork, examines the reasons to doubt the theory, and considers its persistence due to psychological and cultural factors, highlighting the myth’s enduring appeal in pop culture.

How it works

Paul McCartney, a name synonymous with the legendary band The Beatles, has been the subject of one of the most enduring and intriguing conspiracy theories in popular culture: the claim that he died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike. This theory, known as “Paul is Dead,” posits that McCartney was killed in a car accident and subsequently replaced by a doppelgänger named William Campbell or Billy Shears. Despite the absurdity of the claim, it has persisted for decades, capturing the imagination of fans and conspiracy theorists alike.

This deep dive explores the origins, evidence, and cultural impact of the Paul McCartney death conspiracy theory.

The origins of the “Paul is Dead” conspiracy theory can be traced back to the late 1960s, a period marked by a fervent fan base and the explosive popularity of The Beatles. The theory gained significant traction in 1969 when a caller to a Detroit radio show claimed that clues to McCartney’s death were hidden in the band’s music and album artwork. This sparked a frenzy of speculation and analysis, leading fans to scour The Beatles’ albums for hidden messages and symbols.

One of the central pieces of evidence cited by proponents of the theory is the cover of the album “Abbey Road,” which they claim contains a wealth of symbolic clues. The cover features the four Beatles walking across a zebra crossing, with McCartney barefoot and out of step with the others. This, according to theorists, signifies a funeral procession, with McCartney representing the corpse. Additionally, the license plate of a Volkswagen Beetle in the background reads “28IF,” which is interpreted to mean that McCartney would have been 28 years old “if” he had lived (though he was actually 27 at the time).

Another frequently mentioned piece of evidence is the alleged backward messages hidden in The Beatles’ songs. For instance, playing the song “Revolution 9” backwards supposedly reveals the phrase “Turn me on, dead man.” Similarly, the end of the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” contains a murmur that some interpret as John Lennon saying “I buried Paul,” although Lennon himself claimed he was saying “cranberry sauce.”

The “Paul is Dead” theory also extends to the lyrics of The Beatles’ songs. In “A Day in the Life,” the line “He blew his mind out in a car” is taken as a reference to McCartney’s fatal car accident. Meanwhile, the song “Glass Onion” features the lyric “Here’s another clue for you all, the walrus was Paul,” which some interpret as an acknowledgment of McCartney’s death and replacement.

Despite the seemingly compelling nature of these clues, there are numerous reasons to doubt the validity of the “Paul is Dead” theory. For one, The Beatles themselves have repeatedly and consistently denied the claim. In interviews, McCartney has dismissed the theory as “the most ridiculous rumor” and expressed amusement at the lengths to which people go to find hidden meanings in their work.

Moreover, the logistical and ethical implications of such a conspiracy are staggering. To successfully replace McCartney with a look-alike would have required the cooperation and silence of numerous people, including his family, friends, and bandmates. It also raises questions about the motivations behind such a deception and the feasibility of maintaining it for over five decades.

The persistence of the “Paul is Dead” theory can be attributed to several psychological and cultural factors. Conspiracy theories, in general, thrive on the human tendency to seek patterns and meaning in ambiguous information. The Beatles’ music and imagery, rich with symbolism and open to interpretation, provide fertile ground for this kind of speculative thinking.

Additionally, the 1960s was a time of significant social and cultural upheaval, with widespread distrust of authority and a growing interest in alternative explanations for mainstream narratives. The “Paul is Dead” theory tapped into these sentiments, offering a dramatic and conspiratorial twist on the story of one of the most famous bands in history.

In a broader sense, the theory reflects a fascination with celebrity culture and the idea that those in the public eye lead lives filled with secrets and intrigue. The notion that a beloved musician could be replaced without the public’s knowledge plays into anxieties about authenticity and deception in the media.

Despite its debunking, the “Paul is Dead” conspiracy theory remains a cultural phenomenon. It has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and even parodies, cementing its place in the annals of pop culture lore. It also serves as a case study in the power of rumor and the ways in which myths can take on a life of their own, persisting long after their initial creation.

In conclusion, the conspiracy theory that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike is a testament to the enduring power of myth and speculation. While the evidence for the theory is circumstantial and often far-fetched, its persistence highlights the human propensity for finding patterns and constructing alternative narratives. Whether viewed as a curious piece of pop culture history or a reflection of deeper societal anxieties, the “Paul is Dead” theory continues to captivate and intrigue, ensuring that the enigma of Paul McCartney’s alleged death remains a topic of discussion for years to come.

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John McWhorter

The pop songs you hate are good for democracy.

By John McWhorter

Opinion Writer

Decades ago, I had a roommate who didn’t like any of my music. I don’t mean just my musical theater albums, which I have always known are a niche taste. This guy didn’t want to hear even the Beatles (“corny”), Prince (“affected”) or Ella Fitzgerald (“old”). “Porgy and Bess” was “too busy.” Jazz left him numb (“Why is this good?”).

After a while, I figured out the difference in our tastes. I like music with melody and harmony in the forefront; what he found most affecting was rhythm and vocal emotion, especially of a rawer kind that parallels speech — the blues, African pop, Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Etheridge. I never happened to play him Billie Holiday, but am sure he would have gotten her. I suspect that a thought like “That’s a pretty tune” was alien to him and harmony was about as imperceptible as ultraviolet light (just as most of what moves people about ballet is to me, alas).

Our difference in sensibility fascinated me. He had never known anyone his age who didn’t thrill to his music; I had never known anyone who couldn’t listen to Ms. Fitzgerald or Prince.

If you survey pop music today, his sensibility won.

I thought of this while taking in “Hell’s Kitchen” on Broadway, a musical with songs by Alicia Keys. The audience was wild for it. Me? I found the music … thoroughly admirable.

Ms. Keys is a fantastic talent; there’s a good reason she’s a megastar. But I can’t say I vibed to the songs, nor could I hum even a part of one the next day. My cousin, on the other hand — a musically knowledgeable theater professional who accompanied me to the show — loved it.

Seeing her response helped me to understand mine. “I’m just not hearing it right,” I told her. I was listening for deftness of melody and harmonies that change every two seconds, tracing quirky pathways. At “Hell’s Kitchen,” that was like hollering for ketchup at a Japanese restaurant: I was missing the music’s essence and value, the snatch and rapture of the beats and the texture and dazzle of the vocal fireworks, including the melisma in Shoshana Bean’s roof-raising rendition of “Pawn It All.”

Art ever evolves: Artists typically do not want to do the same thing generation after generation, and it is natural to seek to break the old rules in search of new highs. In ancient Greece, music for public consumption was at first austere, rendered by pious ensembles rather than individual performers. But after the fifth century B.C.E., public music in Greece became more sensational, more about the solo star and lyrically concerned with profanity, love, sex and fame. It’s a typical life cycle in art that begins with constrained forms, such as representational painting and the often tidy rhythms of early classical music, but morphs into more subjective and even oppositional frameworks (the poet Paul Éluard’s “The Earth Is Blue Like an Orange”). In American pop, all of this takes us from “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Just the Way You Are,” with their easily parsed melodies and pretty harmonies, to the more raffish, ragged realness of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Rehab.”

A study has shown that pop has gotten markedly less melodically and harmonically complex over the decades. Meanwhile, I doubt we need a study to teach us that modern pop is, for one thing, rhythmically richer overall. Styles change. So do tastes. Not everyone’s tastes change at the same pace, however, which is one reason we so often find ourselves bewildered by what other people like to listen to.

It can be fun to try imagining yourself into someone else’s head to hear music the way he does. There are opera fans who take in the music as a kind of extended reverie or psychedelic journey; some will recall Tom Hanks’s character in “Philadelphia” swooning to “Andrea Chénier.” I kind of get that if I try. Or “Teen Spirit”: It took me a bit to understand what everybody loved so much about it, but mentally squinting, I finally gleaned that the lyrics (“a mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido, yeah”) are a kind of poetry with which Paul Verlaine would have felt a kinship. And the music grew on me — that guitar snarl after the “yeah,” the hypnotic power of the piece’s droning repetition.

But beyond the fun of it, thinking your way into other people’s musical tastes can be a great exercise for understanding other perspectives generally — and reminding yourself that your beliefs are often based on subjective orientations, not immutable truths.

This is especially relevant in these times of bitter polarization. It’s easy to assume that those with views opposed to ours are either ignorant or evil. Trying to understand people’s taste is a good exercise for democracy — and might even lead you to budge a bit on your own. I once asked a heavy metal fan, with genuine perplexity, “This really interests me. What gives you pleasure about this music?” He explained how the dissonance excited him and how the high volume made him feel he had entered another world. Now I felt I was listening to the music for the first time. It was one of the most valuable exchanges I ever had about music and paralleled ones I have had since about things like racial preferences and, of course, Israel and the Palestinians. It’s worth trying. You might like what you hear.

Incidentally, a few weeks ago I wrote about the modern tradition of giving all shows standing ovations. I wondered whether people would soon be standing up for numbers during the show, and — wouldn’t you know? — it’s happening at “Hell’s Kitchen” for that song “Pawn It All.” Not that I begrudge the magnificent Ms. Bean the approbation. But still. One more thing: I can’t help recommending a marvelous new score I have gotten an earful of that combines the old school and the new: the electro-swing musical “Whisper Darkly."

John McWhorter ( @JohnHMcWhorter ) is an associate professor of linguistics at Columbia University. He is the author of “ Nine Nasty Words : English in the Gutter: Then, Now and Forever” and, most recently, “ Woke Racism : How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America.” @ JohnHMcWhorter

Jenny Nicholson/Youtube

Jenny Nicholson’s ‘Star Wars’ hotel video essay has fans cheering on her Disney takedown

Nicholson’s video is a fascinating demonstration of consumer culture as mediated by social media..

Kira Deshler

Pop Culture

Posted on May 30, 2024 Updated on May 30, 2024, 12:47 pm CDT

Decoding Fandom is a weekly column that dives deep into the world of fan culture and runs on Wednesdays in the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter. If you want to get this column a day before we publish it, subscribe to web_crawlr , where you’ll get the daily scoop of internet culture delivered straight to your inbox.

A surprising piece of content captured the internet’s attention last week: a four-hour-long video critique of the now-defunct Star Wars hotel . If those words don’t make sense to you in that order, here’s a quick rundown . Jenny Nicholson is a YouTuber who makes long-form videos about various topics in pop culture, including Star Wars and other Disney properties. Her most-viewed video to date is a two-and-a-half-hour-long explainer about Vampire Diaries lore, which has 12 million views . Her most recent video, “ The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel ,” has enraptured viewers online and received two million views in its first two days , and 5 million within a week . The video is organized into 22 distinct chapters wherein Nicholson describes the factors that led to the hotel’s downfall (it closed last year after 18 months), and the few things she thought were done well. The hotel was meant to provide guests with an immersive experience where they could role-play as Star Wars characters and participate in an interactive game —using an app and interacting with IRL characters aboard the “ship”—and Nicholson explains that the game didn’t work well for her . With a price tag of $6,000, or $3,000 per person , she concludes that it just wasn’t worth the money for a multitude of well-evidenced reasons.

Jenny Nicholson’s video essay describes the Star Wars hotel downfall

It might seem odd that such a long, detailed video went viral in the age of TikTok , but the data tells us Nicholson’s success is far from a fluke. A Google consumer research report from 2022 suggests that long-form videos are massively popular , particularly among Gen Z viewers. The report also explores the rise of the “ professional fan ,” a relatively new designation that describes Nicholson to a tee. On X, the response to the video was largely positive . Many X users cheered Nicholson on , celebrating her surgical takedown of a massive corporation . People who had never watched her videos before and weren’t even big Star Wars fans tuned in and found themselves enthralled .

One user noted that the reason Nicholson is so interesting is because she loves Disney but is also critical of them , which means the company sees her as an enemy rather than an ally. Others suggested that Nicholson is the only “ Disney adult ” they can stand. The response to the video was not entirely laudatory , however. On Reddit , some Star Wars fans tried to discredit Nicholson’s video by saying they had a good time at the park, though these naysayers were dunked on by Nicholson’s fans. Others questioned Nicholson’s credibility as a speaker, noting that she has a history of making racist remarks about Star Wars’ John Boyega and providing receipts to prove their point. The biggest point of controversy was an article in Screen Rant entitled “I Worked At The Galactic Starcruiser, & I Can Tell You What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About The “Star Wars Hotel.”

X users immediately clocked the article as a response to Nicholson’s video, and many suggested it was “ astroturfing ,” ie. sponsored media made to look like unaffiliated content . The article even employs a Disney marketing tactic that Nicholson critiques in her video: Referring to a product by its ( often clunky ) full “legal” name instead of its colloquial one. Viewers are convinced that Disney is terrified of Nicholson and has made a huge mistake not consulting with her on improving their theme parks, suggesting that her power to influence public opinion about the company remains unmatched.

Why it matters

Nicholson’s video is a fascinating demonstration of consumer culture as mediated by social media. She critiques Disney’s business practices while also buying their products and giving them PR— albeit bad PR , in this case.

The prevalence of the “professional fan” exemplifies this tricky dichotomy , blurring the line between creator and influencer, critic and fan. What this ultimately means for media and fandom is up in the air . Does this phenomenon illustrate the power of the individual against corporations or suggest that we should disinvest from corporate adoration altogether ?

The debate rages on in one of the last bastions of democratic speech on the internet: the YouTube comment section .

The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter here to get the best (and worst) of the internet straight into your inbox.

Kira Deshler is the assistant newsletter editor at the Daily Dot. Kira received a Master's in Media Studies from UT Austin and has previously written for sites like Slash Film and Looper. She runs her own Substack newsletter, Paging Dr. Lesbian, and is a member of GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.

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Laura Jarrett reveals what it was like to read Trump’s historic verdict on live TV

NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett thrives under pressure. So Jarrett was ready to go the afternoon of May 30, when a New York jury found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie and Nightly News’ Lester Holt were delivering a special report, when suddenly Jarrett’s voice could heard in the background. It was urgent.

“Guys! We need to go,” Jarrett said. “We need to go.”

“Go,” Savannah said.

The cameras then turned to Jarrett, who read off each count, one by one. Trump became the first former United States president to be convicted of felony crimes.

It’s moments like this that inspired Jarrett to leave her career practicing law to become a legal analyst on TV.

“I’ve always loved putting the puzzle pieces together and figuring out how to tell a complicated story in the most straightforward and compelling way as possible,” Jarrett previously told TODAY.com .

Here, Jarrett recounts what was going through her mind at that historic moment.

“IN THIS MOMENT , my thoughts were this: Be calm. Play it straight. You know this case. Those of us who cover high profile legal cases are used to pressure.

But 5:00 p.m. on Thursday — when former President Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes — was next level. I went to law school, I clerked for judges, I practiced law, and I gave it all up — for this. This was the moment that sealed that I made the right choice.

I thought carefully about my dress, and more importantly — sneakers! I knew it could be a long day, but the bathroom situation when waiting outside of court is always tricky. Turns out when you are reading ‘guilty’ on live television 34 times with millions watching, you forget you sort of needed to pee.

As I looked at the first ‘G’ for count of the jury’s verdict on our Google spreadsheet entered by our intrepid correspondent in the courtroom, Tom Winter, I felt eerily relaxed. But then you realize, you have 33 more to go! So I just kept going. We had a plan. And I love a plan. So I kept at it.

I haven’t seen my two young children in days. But on Friday morning, for the first time in weeks, I will walk my son to school. His very last day of pre-school. Because he has his mama back.”

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The Best Nonfiction Books of 2024, So Far

Here’s what memoirs, histories, and essay collections we’re indulging in this spring.

the covers of the best and most anticipated nonfiction books of 2024

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Truth-swallowing can too often taste of forced medicine. Where the most successful nonfiction triumphs is in its ability to instruct, encourage, and demand without spoon-feeding. Getting to read and reward this year’s best nonfiction, then, is as much a treat as a lesson. I can’t pretend to be as intelligent, empathetic, self-knowledgeable, or even as well-read as many of the authors on this list. But appreciating the results of their labors is a more-than-sufficient consolation.

Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka

There’s a lot to ponder in the latest project from New Yorker writer Kyle Chayka, who elegantly argues that algorithms have eroded—if not erased—the essential development of personal taste. As Chayka puts forth in Filterworld , the age of flawed-but-fulfilling human cultural curation has given way to the sanitization of Spotify’s so-called “Discover” playlists, or of Netflix’s Emily in Paris, or of subway tile and shiplap . There’s perhaps an old-school sanctimony to this criticism that some readers might chafe against. But there’s also a very real and alarming truth to Chayka’s insights, assembled alongside interviews and examples that span decades, mediums, and genres under the giant umbrella we call “culture.” Filterworld is the kind of book worth wrestling with, critiquing, and absorbing deeply—the antithesis of mindless consumption.

American Girls: One Woman's Journey Into the Islamic State and Her Sister's Fight to Bring Her Home by Jessica Roy

In 2019, former ELLE digital director Jessica Roy published a story about the Sally sisters , two American women who grew up in the same Jehovah’s Witness family and married a pair of brothers—but only one of those sisters ended up in Syria, her husband fighting on behalf of ISIS. American Girls , Roy’s nonfiction debut, expands upon that story of sibling love, sibling rivalry, abuse and extremism, adding reams of reporting to create a riveting tale that treats its subjects with true empathy while never flinching from the reality of their choices.

Leonor: The Story of a Lost Childhood by Paula Delgado-Kling

In this small but gutting work of memoir-meets-biography, Colombian journalist Paula Delgado-King chronicles two lives that intersect in violence: hers, and that of Leonor, a Colombian child solider who was beckoned into the guerilla Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) only to endure years of death and abuse. Over the course of 19 years, Delgago-King followed Leonor through her recruitment into FARC; her sexual slavery to a man decades her senior; her eventual escape; and her rehabilitation. The author’s resulting account is visceral, a clear-eyed account of the utterly human impact wrought by war.

Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton

A meticulous work of research and commitment, Antonia Hylton’s Madness takes readers deep inside the nearly century-old history of Maryland’s Crownsville State Hospital, one of the only segregated mental asylums with records—and a campus—that remain to this day. Featuring interviews with both former Crownsville staff and family members of those who lived there, Madness is a radically complex work of historical study, etching the intersections of race, mental health, criminal justice, public health, memory, and the essential quest for human dignity.

Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski

Out January 30.

Emily Nagoski’s bestselling Come As You Are opened up a generations-wide conversation about women and their relationship with sex: why some love it, why some hate it, and why it can feel so impossible to find help or answers in either camp. In Come Together , Nagoski returns to the subject with a renewed focus on pleasure—and why it is ultimately so much more pivotal for long-term sexual relationships than spontaneity or frequency. This is not only an accessible, gentle-hearted guide to a still-taboo topic; it’s a fascinating exploration of how our most intimate connections can not just endure but thrive.

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis by Jonathan Blitzer

A remarkable volume—its 500-page length itself underscoring the author’s commitment to the complexity of the problem—Jonathan Blitzer’s Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here tracks the history of the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border through the intimate accounts of those who’ve lived it. In painstaking detail, Blitzer compiles the history of the U.S.’s involvement in Central America, and illustrates how foreign and immigration policies have irrevocably altered human lives—as well as tying them to one another. “Immigrants have a way of changing two places at once: their new homes and their old ones,” Blitzer writes. “Rather than cleaving apart the worlds of the U.S., El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, the Americans were irrevocably binding them together.”

How to Live Free in a Dangerous World: A Decolonial Memoir by Shayla Lawson

Out February 6.

“I used to say taking a trip was just a coping mechanism,” writes Shayla Lawson in their travel-memoir-in-essays How to Live Free in a Dangerous World . “I know better now; it’s my way of mapping the Earth, so I know there’s something to come back to.” In stream-of-consciousness prose, the This Is Major author guides the reader through an enthralling journey across Zimbabwe, Japan, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Bermuda, and beyond, using each location as the touchstone for their essays exploring how (and why) race, gender, grief, sexuality, beauty, and autonomy impact their experience of a land and its people. There’s a real courage and generosity to Lawson’s work; readers will find much here to embolden their own self-exploration.

Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey Among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See by Bianca Bosker

There’s no end to the arguments for “why art matters,” but in our era of ephemeral imagery and mass-produced decor, there is enormous wisdom to be gleaned from Get the Picture , Bianca Bosker’s insider account of art-world infatuation. In this new work of nonfiction, readers have the pleasure of following the Cork Dork author as she embeds herself amongst the gallerists, collectors, painters, critics, and performers who fill today’s contemporary scene. There, they teach her (and us) what makes art art— and why that question’s worth asking in an increasingly fractured world.

Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti

A profoundly unusual, experimental, yet engrossing work of not-quite-memoir, Sheila Heti’s Alphabetical Diaries is exactly what its title promises: The book comprises a decade of the author’s personal diaries, the sentences copied and pasted into alphabetical order. Each chapter begins with a new letter, all the accumulated sentences starting with “A”, then “B,” and so forth. The resulting effect is all but certain to repel some readers who crave a more linear storyline, but for those who can understand her ambition beyond the form, settling into the rhythm of Heti’s poetic observations gives way to a rich narrative reward.

Slow Noodles: A Cambodian Memoir of Love, Loss, and Family Recipes by Chantha Nguon

Out February 20.

“Even now, I can taste my own history,” writes Chantha Nguon in her gorgeous Slow Noodles . “One occupying force tried to erase it all.” In this deeply personal memoir, Nguon guides us through her life as a Cambodian refugee from the Khmer Rouge; her escapes to Vietnam and Thailand; the loss of all those she loved and held dear; and the foods that kept her heritage—and her story—ultimately intact. Interwoven with recipes and lists of ingredients, Nguon’s heart-rending writing reinforces the joy and agony of her core thesis: “The past never goes away.”

Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story by Leslie Jamison

The first time I stumbled upon a Leslie Jamison essay on (the platform formerly known as) Twitter, I was transfixed; I stayed in bed late into the morning as I clicked through her work, swallowing paragraphs like Skittles. But, of course, Jamison’s work is so much more satisfying than candy, and her new memoir, Splinters , is Jamison operating at the height of her talents. A tale of Jamison’s early motherhood and the end of her marriage, the book is unshrinking, nuanced, radiant, and so wondrously honest—a referendum on the splintered identities that complicate and comprise the artist, the wife, the mother, the woman.

The Great Wave: The Era of Radical Disruption and the Rise of the Outsider by Michiko Kakutani

The former chief book critic of the New York Times , Michiko Kakutani is not only an invaluable literary denizen, but also a brilliant observer of how politics and culture disrupt the mechanics of power and influence. In The Great Wave , she turns our attention toward global instability as epitomized by figures such as Donald Trump and watershed moments such as the creation of AI. In the midst of these numerous case studies, she argues for how our deeply interconnected world might better weather the competing crises that threaten to submerge us, should we not choose to better understand them.

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg

From the author of the now-ubiquitous The Power of Habit arrives Supercommunicators , a head-first study of the tools that make conversations actually work . Charles Duhigg makes the case that every chat is really about one of three inquiries (“What’s this about?” “How do we feel?” or “Who are we?”) and knowing one from another is the key to real connection. Executives and professional-speaker types are sure to glom on to this sort of work, but my hope is that other, less business-oriented motives might be satisfied by the logic this volume imbues.

Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa

Out February 27.

“Tell me your favorite childhood memory, and I’ll tell you who you are,” or so writes Deborah Jackson Taffa in Whiskey Tender , her memoir of assimilation and separation as a mixed-tribe Native woman raised in the shadow of a specific portrait of the American Dream. As a descendant of the Quechan (Yuma) Nation and Laguna Pueblo tribe, Taffa illustrates her childhood in New Mexico while threading through the histories of her parents and grandparents, themselves forever altered by Indian boarding schools, government relocation, prison systems, and the “erasure of [our] own people.” Taffa’s is a story of immense and reverent heart, told with precise and pure skill.

Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley

With its chapters organized by their position in the infamous five stages of grief, Sloane Crosley’s Grief is For People is at times bracingly funny, then abruptly sober. The effect is less like whiplash than recognition; anyone who has lost or grieved understands the way these emotions crash into each other without warning. Crosley makes excellent use of this reality in Grief is For People , as she weaves between two wrenching losses in her own life: the death of her dear friend Russell Perreault, and the robbery of her apartment. Crosley’s resulting story—short but powerful—is as difficult and precious and singular as grief itself.

American Negra by Natasha S. Alford

In American Negra , theGrio and CNN journalist Natasha S. Alford turns toward her own story, tracing the contours of her childhood in Syracuse, New York, as she came to understand the ways her Afro-Latino background built her—and set her apart. As the memoir follows Alford’s coming-of-age from Syracuse to Harvard University, then abroad and, later, across the U.S., the author highlights how she learned to embrace the cornerstones of intersectionality, in spite of her country’s many efforts to encourage the opposite.

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul

Out March 5.

A raw and assured account by one of the most famous queer icons of our era, RuPaul’s memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings , promises readers arms-wide-open access to the drag queen before Drag Race . Detailing his childhood in California, his come-up in the drag scene, his own intimate love story, and his quest for living proudly in the face of unceasing condemnation, The House of Hidden Meanings is easily one of the most intriguing celebrity projects of the year.

Here After by Amy Lin

Here After reads like poetry: Its tiny, mere-sentences-long chapters only serve to strengthen its elegiac, ferocious impact. I was sobbing within minutes of opening this book. But I implore readers not to avoid the heavy subject matter; they will find in Amy Lin’s memoir such a profound and complex gift: the truth of her devotion to her husband, Kurtis, and the reality of her pain when he died suddenly, with neither platitudes nor hyperbole. This book is a little wonder—a clear, utterly courageous act of love.

Thunder Song by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe

Red Paint author and poet Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe returns this spring with a rhythmic memoir-in-essays called Thunder Song , following the beats of her upbringing as a queer Coast Salish woman entrenched in communities—the punk and music scenes, in particular—that did not always reflect or respect her. Blending beautiful family history with her own personal memories, LaPointe’s writing is a ballad against amnesia, and a call to action for healing, for decolonization, for hope.

Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against "The Apocalypse" by Emily Raboteau

Out March 12.

In Emily Raboteau’s Lessons For Survival , the author (and novelist, essayist, professor, and street photographer) tells us her framework for the book is modeled loosely after one of her mother’s quilts: “pieced together out of love by a parent who wants her children to inherit a world where life is sustainable.” The essays that follow are meditations and reports on motherhood in the midst of compounding crises, whether climate change or war or racism or mental health. Through stories and photographs drawn from her own life and her studies abroad, Raboteau grounds the audience in the beauty—and resilience—of nature.

What to Read in 2024

Yael van der Wouden on The Safekeep

the covers of the first three books in julia quinn's bridgerton series

How to Read the 'Bridgerton' Books in Order

Shelf Life: R.O. Kwon

Remembering Bendel’s Legendary Morning Lineup

My Anxiety Had Something to Teach Me

the covers of emily wildes map of the otherlands, the fox wife, kinning, and the jinn daughter lined up together

The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reads of 2024

Shelf Life: Miranda July

kaliane bradley posing in front of a sheet

Kaliane Bradley on The Ministry of Time

lucy foley smiles at the camera next to an image of the cover of the midnight feast

Read an Excerpt from 'The Midnight Feast'

Shelf Life: Claire Messud

Honor Levy Says ‘Goodnight Meme’

Why I quit Goldman Sachs

I became a VP in six years. Then the 'boys only' culture drove me out.

Goldman Sachs has a problem.

Only 29% of the 2022 partner class was women — just slightly more than the previous two classes — and a flood of women leaders have recently taken their talents elsewhere . Dina Powell McCormick, head of sovereign business and sustainability efforts, left last year. Beth Hammack, a longtime partner, exited after she was passed over for the CFO role. Stephanie Cohen , once a likely CEO successor, left in March after 25 years. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that two-thirds of female partners had left or lost the title since 2018. The same was true for only 50% of male partners.

Two years ago, I joined the ranks of the women leaving Goldman. My career propelled me from an intern to a vice president in just six years, but it wasn't a walk in the park. I didn't feel like my innately feminine, sensitive self could cut it at Goldman, so I stashed her aside and stepped into an alternate persona. Under my desk, I would keep a pair of black pumps that I called my "Hollywood heels." When I put them on every morning, I channeled a thick-skinned character who thrived in a man's world.

It worked, but it was draining. Eventually, I decided I'd had enough; I left to write novels and build my own coaching and consulting business. It's been liberating to work in my authentic style, and it's made me realize how much of myself I was keeping small while at Goldman.

The lack of female leadership in the financial industry is nothing new, but many companies have been making strides. Citi has a female CEO and surpassed its 2022 goal to increase the number of women in leadership positions. Morgan Stanley has steadily increased its share of women in senior management. And two women are likely candidates to succeed JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. But at Goldman, the problem has only gotten worse.

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250 Words Essay on Pop Culture What is Pop Culture? Pop culture is the collection of ideas, images, and attitudes that are known by the mainstream of a society at a given time. It includes music, movies, fashion, technology, and slang. Pop culture is often seen as fun, easy to understand, and enjoyed by many people. Music and Movies
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Popular culture essays are becoming an increasingly prevailing task for students from different majors. Yet, if you want to write an indeed great paper, you should first figure out how to define the phenomenon. Popular culture is the set of trends that predominates at the current time. It is determined by several aspects, including clothing ...
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What Is a Personal Essay About Pop Culture? In the Washington Post, Sonny Bunch wrote, "the best writing about popular culture — about music, about movies, about TV shows, about books, about whatever — interrogates the way we think rather than what we think." Indeed, pop culture is an integral part of the development of a person's ...
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If you're looking for inspiration for your next essay on popular culture, we've got you covered with 111 topic ideas and examples to get you started. The impact of social media influencers on consumer behavior. The evolution of hip hop music and its influence on society. The portrayal of mental health in popular culture.
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Here are some of the best social issues and pop culture paper topics to consider. Popular culture implication on dumbing down the youth. Racism and popular culture over the last century. Impact of the popular culture on the moral compass. Why some religions are popular than others.
American Pop Culture
This essay about American popular culture examines its significant role as a medium for expressing and shaping societal values, norms, and ambitions. It discusses the origins of American pop culture in mass media, its evolution through music, film, television, and social media, and its impact on shaping public opinion and individual identities. ...
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Pop Culture Essay Topics: Dive into the Pulse of Modern Society. Pop Culture, short for 'popular culture', is a fascinating area of study that delves into the various elements of entertainment, fashion, news, and daily living that are prevalent in a society at a given point in time. The culture we consume, whether it's the music we listen ...
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Pop culture has become an integral part of modern society, shaping the way people think, behave, and interact. This essay seeks to explore the influence, significance, and impact of popular culture on society and individuals, with a focus on its definition, evolution, societal impact, forms and artifacts, critiques and controversies, and its relationship with globalization.
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Pop culture research topic #9: Pop culture's promotion of social change. While it's certainly true that pop culture can be filled with crazy trends in clothing, hairstyles, and catch phrases, pop culture can also be an instrument of social change. Consider how the Occupy Movement and Black Lives Matter increased awareness.
Pop Culture: An Overview
Pop Culture Pop Culture: An Overview Tim Delaney sets the scene for our philosophical consideration of popular stuff. ... Ray Browne in his essay 'Folklore to Populore' offers a similar definition: "Popular culture consists of the aspects of attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, customs, and tastes that define the people of any society. ...
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Popular culture essay topics are diverse, attention-grabbing, and enjoyable to most people. Several issues are to write about, including celebrity gossip, music trends, modern technologies, culture change, and cultural influences. Here are some popular culture essay topics on the internet. Facebook. Criminogenic Media.
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Your use of JSTOR indicates your acceptance of the , the , and that you are 16 or older. In Dancing in Spite of Myself, Lawrence Grossberg-well known as a pioneering figure in cultural studies-has collected essays written over the past twenty years...
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The book definition says pop culture is a collection of thoughts, ideas, attitudes, perspectives, images, and more preferred by the mainstream population. Popular culture, regardless of the generation or era, consistently focuses on music, fashion, expressions, and values. In the 1960s, The Beatles are heard everywhere: pocket-sized transistor ...
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220 Pop Culture Topics for an A+ Essay. (7 votes) There are many ways to define popular culture. Here's one of them: pop culture includes mainstream preferences in society within a specific time frame. It covers fashion, music, language, and even food. Pop culture is always evolving, engaging in new trends, and leaving the old ones behind.
Pop Culture Essay
The pop culture was opposed to the official culture with its higher education and income standards. After the World War II, the term acquired the new meaning of "mass" culture, or "consumerism" culture. Even though the word "pop" is short for "popular," the two have a difference in meaning. While "popular" is used to ...
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This essay defines popular culture as the longer form of pop culture that is described as the entirety of beliefs, attitudes, ideas, perspectives, images, and other aspects that are within a given culture. Genres such as movies, songs, literature, celebrities, fashion, cartoons among others make up pop culture. ...
How to Use Pop Culture References in Your Writing
Timeless works of literature are products of their eras, and they include appropriate references while still achieving a sense of universality. For a story to stand the test of time, it must feel relevant beyond the era in which it was created—but that doesn't mean it can't incorporate pop culture references.
Race and Pop Culture: A Roundtable Conversation
Pop culture has been in a state of upheaval and growth in recent years, leading to fascinating art and even more complex conversations. When Wesley Morris's essay " The Morality Wars " was ...
Popular culture
Popular culture (also called mass culture or pop culture) is generally recognized by members of a society as a set of practices, ... Freitag, Sandria B. "Popular Culture in the Rewriting of History: An Essay in Comparative History and Historiography," Journal of Peasant Studies, 1989, Vol. 16 Issue 3, pp. 169-198.
Opinion Writing: Impact of Pop Culture Stereotypes
Conclusion. Overall, pop culture has stereotyped black people by portraying them as lazy, thieves, killers in the entertainment industry, sports, and rap music. I believe that pop culture has nurtured racial stereotypes that negatively affect black people. Even though there are black people that commit crimes such as killing and stealing, it is ...
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1. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Cite this essay. Download. Pop culture should be studied because it will rejuvenate old culture, keep society up to date, and, overall help individuals find solutions to their daily conflicts. Pop ...
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74. By John McWhorter. Opinion Writer. Decades ago, I had a roommate who didn't like any of my music. I don't mean just my musical theater albums, which I have always known are a niche taste ...
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Pop Culture. Posted on May 30, 2024 Updated on May 30, 2024, 12:47 pm CDT Decoding Fandom is a weekly column that dives ... Jenny Nicholson's video essay describes the Star Wars hotel downfall.
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Got it. Little Brown and Company, MCD, Plume Penguin Random House, Celadon Books. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to ...
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Lindsay MacMillan. May 21, 2024, 2:35 AM PDT. Goldman Sachs has a problem. Only 29% of the 2022 partner class was women — just slightly more than the previous two classes — and a flood of ...