I cannot help but be reminded of Adorno's 1960s essay 'The Culture Industry'; the commodification of culture and art that had only begun to arise with the advent of neoliberal capitalism - but I don't think even he could have predicted the sheer scale by which the 'culture of consumption' has become engrained into our lives. We have surpassed materialism: our very existence has been turned into a commodity used to generate ever-expontentially increasing profits.
The 'coping' mechanism mentioned is simply to numb the existential angst that comes with living in so alien of a society; alien, that is, to our inherent psychological needs.
I hear you! I was a cultural studies major, and the acceleration of everything cultural consumption is beyond what was predicted in text books. Fascinating and terrifying in equal measure. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. 🙏🏻
Oh my gosh THANK YOU for reading and saying that 🤩 It’s a funny world we live in, and we’ve gotta get our coping mechanism kicks somehow, but our poor brains and bodies, what a rollercoaster 🫠
It just held up in stark relief that I am drowning out the constant refrain of "well this fucking sucks" in an infinite loop in my head. Thank you for your thoughtful words. I've shared them in all my group chats!
loved this! so relatable- the repeating tv shows that I can quote from memory in the background to avoid reality is a daily occurence at this point. I've even started making my family and friends watch the same shows so I can have an excuse to watch them again, all while becoming giddy with validation when they confirm that they love it. thank you for this piece! < 3
Thanks so much Shreya! I appreciate your words very much. I have been known to do the same with my family and friends - when they don’t like what I make them watch then I think they’re insane because how can you not love {insert show here I need you to help me cope}?! 😅😅😅
When you finally realise we're all going through pretty much the exact same thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Mind blown. Absolutely loved this! But I do live a podcasts rec... I'll add them to the list 😅👀
Im glad this person is self aware of this terribly corny facade they’ve created. This “curious cultivation of millennial taste” isn’t quite that. It’s not unique—nor does it have to be, live however the fuck you want.
I cannot help but be reminded of Adorno's 1960s essay 'The Culture Industry'; the commodification of culture and art that had only begun to arise with the advent of neoliberal capitalism - but I don't think even he could have predicted the sheer scale by which the 'culture of consumption' has become engrained into our lives. We have surpassed materialism: our very existence has been turned into a commodity used to generate ever-expontentially increasing profits.
The 'coping' mechanism mentioned is simply to numb the existential angst that comes with living in so alien of a society; alien, that is, to our inherent psychological needs.
That is my naïve interpretation, anyways.
I hear you! I was a cultural studies major, and the acceleration of everything cultural consumption is beyond what was predicted in text books. Fascinating and terrifying in equal measure. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. 🙏🏻
I have never been so thoroughly and thoughtfully read in my life. Resonant.
Oh my gosh THANK YOU for reading and saying that 🤩 It’s a funny world we live in, and we’ve gotta get our coping mechanism kicks somehow, but our poor brains and bodies, what a rollercoaster 🫠
It just held up in stark relief that I am drowning out the constant refrain of "well this fucking sucks" in an infinite loop in my head. Thank you for your thoughtful words. I've shared them in all my group chats!
An honour and a pleasure! 💙💙💙
All of this is really just escape through media consumption.
loved this! so relatable- the repeating tv shows that I can quote from memory in the background to avoid reality is a daily occurence at this point. I've even started making my family and friends watch the same shows so I can have an excuse to watch them again, all while becoming giddy with validation when they confirm that they love it. thank you for this piece! < 3
Thanks so much Shreya! I appreciate your words very much. I have been known to do the same with my family and friends - when they don’t like what I make them watch then I think they’re insane because how can you not love {insert show here I need you to help me cope}?! 😅😅😅
Love your writing. One of the few that create echos in my mind.
That is so kind of you, thank you for reading, and I am so chuffed that it resonates with you! 💙🙏🏻
really good. thank you
thanks so much Gabriel!
Never read something so deep and relatable in my life.
Festo! That is so kind. THANK YOU. 💛
loved this
Thank youuuuuu 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
When you finally realise we're all going through pretty much the exact same thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Mind blown. Absolutely loved this! But I do live a podcasts rec... I'll add them to the list 😅👀
Solidarity! 😅 Thanks so much for reading and commenting 💛 Let me know which podcasts you enjoy too!
Love ya @shit you should care about ❤️🔥💥
Im glad this person is self aware of this terribly corny facade they’ve created. This “curious cultivation of millennial taste” isn’t quite that. It’s not unique—nor does it have to be, live however the fuck you want.
lol thanks for that, Luca. Millennial stereotypes are not unique, I agree, but everyone’s mental health experience is 😘
Absolutely. Don’t really think anyone’s psychological and physical makeup is a problem unless it’s harming others ey