Popular Culture...It's A Strange Thing

Hey Josh,

“Popular” is kind of a dirty word to me, and there’s a weird joy I get by abstaining from the pop culture flavor of the week. I’m sure you’ve felt it too. A small part of me likes being able to say “I don’t watch that show” or “I haven’t seen that movie.” A recent example was that I waited over 7 years to finally watch Game of Thrones, only for it to become one of my favorite television shows of all time. I could continue to produce a list of experiences similar to this one where I waited way too long to enjoy something just because it was “popular.”

Yet I do have a love for certain aspects of popular culture. For example, the punk in me should be avoiding the Marvel Cinematic Universe like the plague. It’s the most profitable and popular movie franchise on the planet. Not to mention, everyone and their mother goes to see them at this point, even after 21 movies that, on the surface, feel like rehashes of one of the hero’s journey. And yet, despite their popularity, I keep coming back film after film to watch and then subsequently buy every Blu-ray when Black Friday comes around. Why is that?

Then a light bulb flickered on when I finally sat down to watch (read: binge) Stranger Things.

I realized that popularity doesn’t necessarily correlate with “bad.” This seems like a foolish and maybe arrogant thought process in retrospect because of course being popular wouldn’t automatically mean bad. Popular simply means that a lot of people enjoy it.

Stranger Things has recently been the “popular” thing on people’s radar since the show came out. Almost everyone I know spoke highly of it at one point or another, but just like Game of Thrones, I wrote it off.

But after putting my misguided convictions aside, I found for myself what made it popular in the first place. It has well-written, memorable characters. Characters that you continue to think about after each episode ends and feel a little sad leaving once each season finishes. It’s like moving away from your best friends multiple times.

In addition to fantastic characters, there’s a compelling story about grief, friendship, and hope. It pulls you in and thrusts you on the journey with the cast as they navigate the chaotic and confusing worlds they’re swept into. The entire show feels like a rollercoaster of emotions.

And the visuals in the show are just stunning. I didn’t grow up in the ‘80s, but I did grow up in a small town, and they nailed it. The monsters and environments are simply gorgeous. It’s amazing to see what Netflix can make now.

That being said, I discovered the importance of context when it comes to something being popular. With regards to Stranger Things, it’s popularity is a celebration for the way it stands out. It’s given me a fresh perspective on my own perception of popular culture, and while I wouldn’t say I’ve got it figured out yet as to what constitutes “good” or “bad” popularity, I can say that I’ve learned that it’s good to give things a shot more often than not. And who knows. I just might find my new favorite movie, show, or book.

So the next time I think I’ll avoid something just because it’s popular, I’ll remember Stranger Things, and maybe give it a chance.

Until next time,

Phil