#CulturalCritique

[introspectconnect]

Unmasking the Lure of Perfection

Society's Seductive Trap

In our world today, there's a relentless pursuit of perfection, heavily influenced by society's rigid standards. It's a world where women often resort to plastic surgery and makeup, not merely as expressions of personal style, but as a way to conform to societal expectations of beauty. They are driven by a deep-seated belief that these enhancements will make them more appealing, or perhaps correct perceived inadequacies instilled by societal norms.

Men are not immune to this phenomenon. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions often stems from the same root - a desire to be more appealing, to fit into a societal hierarchy that equates success with monetary wealth and luxurious belongings. This pursuit is not just about personal satisfaction but about gaining access to circles and opportunities otherwise out of reach.

But let's pause and ponder - who sets these standards? Why do these hierarchical systems exist at all? It's a clever strategy, really. When society convinces individuals that they need certain things to be accepted or successful, it becomes all too easy to manipulate their desires and actions. This pursuit of societal approval has turned into a lucrative commodity for those in control, and they spare no effort in maintaining this seductive, almost hypnotic hold over people.

We're living in a world ensnared by these illusions of perfection, trapped in a cycle that benefits a select few while the rest strive to fit into a mold that might not even align with their true selves. It's high time we question these norms and break free from this seductive trap. Let's redefine beauty and success on our own terms. After all, true freedom lies in living authentically, not in chasing shadows of societal approval.

[yellowmanula]

History and capitalism were dating. History was seeing other people, so capitalism really tried to look like the best of all possible worlds. Then they got married, and capitalism stopped trying so hard. And then history said, “Remember my vow, ’til death do us part? Well, do you think I was kidding, or not?

McKenzie Wark, "Raving" 2023 pg: @liminalmindcore

[karl-says]

Capitalism and its Hobbies

Have you ever noticed how capitalism has a tendency to corrupt and misconstrue, among many other things, hobbies? What starts as a source of fun and relaxation in our free time, becomes an investment in our own well-being. You're are forced to justify spending your hard-earned cash on what you love, and if it by some miracle it pays off, oh then you better watch out. It might just evolve into a side hustle, encroaching on any other personal time that you may have left. Soon, before you even know it, it's a second job, and eventually, our main source of income. Finally, back to square one, seeking a new hobby, a new investment, as our old one slowly consumes our life.

[tmarshconnors]

"The successful people are the ones who keep on going regardless of what is being thrown at them"

Dr. Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist.

[teg-report]

Magic, Wicked, and the Backlash

Magic—a word that sparks both awe and unease. Despite its universal appeal across cultures and centuries, magic remains a taboo topic in the United States. Why does this land of freedom and self-expression react so strongly? The discomfort arises when someone starts talking about wands, potions, and a little abracadabra. Let’s dig into the complicated relationship America has with magic and why…

[mortiz888-blog]

Are We in a War Against Awareness and Destruction?

Join us as we delve into the dark truths of society through the eyes of Speaker_02. This thought-provoking video confronts uncomfortable realities, highlighting the destruction around us and igniting awareness. Experience a powerful narrative that challenges perceptions and inspires change. #SocietalIssues #Awareness #Destruction #ThoughtProvoking #ArtAndMusic #MKUltra #Speaker02…

[thedearlydepart]

Consumerism and the American Dream

How Communitarianism Offers a Better Path

I identify most with communitarianism. Communitarian cultures prioritize the collective good over individual desires, emphasizing harmony and cohesion within society. While Thought Co. states that "Communitarianism is often considered the opposite of liberalism," (Longley, 2020) modern liberalism, particularly in leftist communities, seeks a balance that allows for self-expression while addressing societal needs to exist peacefully. In contrast, individualist cultures hold self-reliance and personal success in high regard, even if it comes at the expense of the broader community.

In communitarian societies, individuals are considered integral parts of a larger social construct, expected to contribute to the community’s well-being through social, family, and civic responsibilities. Individualist cultures, however, place the highest value on individual rights—such as freedom of choice, speech, and action—even when these rights conflict with the common good. As described by both Thought Co. and the Foundation for Economic Education, classical liberalism embodies these principles, which became the foundation of "liberal democracies" in the free world.

“These individualistic principles became the pillars of the social institutions that now characterize what we call the “free world” (hence the term “liberal” democracies).” (Carroll & Sanchez, 2022)

While individualists believe society exists to support personal freedom and autonomy, communitarians believe in acting in ways that benefit the group. Communitarianism does not reject individual rights like freedom of speech and action. Still, it insists that these rights should not supersede the safety and well-being of the community.

In today’s American society, particularly in Black communities and in the broader cultural context, individualism dominates. This aligns with our focus on capitalism and the "American Dream." While Etzioni points out that tightly-knit communities can hinder individuality and creativity, we've moved beyond that. We now operate in a society where, unless something directly affects us, we often choose not to engage—even within our families. This has led to a culture that breeds widespread unhappiness. One critic notes, "...Our idea of happiness has been transformed to make us better consumers... these values have been co-opted and used to normalize a deeply unjust and undesirable situation." (Illing, 2018)

References

Carroll, P., & Sanchez, D. (2022, July 2). Individualism: A Deeply American Philosophy. FEE.org. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://fee.org/resources/individualism-a-deeply-american-philosophy/

Etzioni, A. (2002, May). "The Good Society" by Amitai Etzioni. Seattle University School of Law Digital Commons. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sjsj/vol1/iss1/7?utm_source=digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu%2Fsjsj%2Fvol1%2Fiss1%2F7&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

Illing, S. (2018, September 4). A history of happiness explains why capitalism makes us feel empty inside. Vox. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/9/4/17759590/happiness-fantasy-capitalism-culture-carl-cederstrom

Longley, R. (2020, June 29). What Is Communitarianism? Definition and Main Theorists. ThoughtCo. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.thoughtco.com/communitarianism-definition-and-theories-5070063

[carloselrojo]

[samw3000]

The Chains that Bind Us

... and if only i couldif i were to relive this lifei would not be a slavebeholden to the plutocracyexpecting appreciationfor the scraps you gave mesqueeeezed into a holding cellHumansAfricansclassified as Cargochainedcrouching room onlythe lucky ones dying before me400 confined to the lower deckchained brandedpalm oil soothedsleeping on the right sideto save space for moresailing…

[laidover]

Back in 2013, Adam Curtis wrote about the perpetual cycle of scandal and outrage. Ten years on, we have completely spun out of control.

Curtis makes reference throughout to the journalistic practice of exposé, placing monolithic structures of government/business under the microscope of public opinion. The pinnacle of 'honest journalism', with your favourite newspaper regularly committing itself to 'the pursuit of truth'.

Whether it is All The Presidents Men, Spotlight, or more recent exaltations of journalistic practice. There is a cultural obsession with the cycle of scandal. An obsession that is clouding the judgement of the public on social media. Any issues with murky reverence, what will be the next scandal after the UCLA Protests? How will tomorrow outrage me more than yesterday?

Full story on Substack.

[normally0]

Reimagining Narratives: The Intersection of Architecture, Confectionery, and Cosmetics

Hans Hollein's Strada Novissima, showcased at the Venice Biennale of 1980, emerged as a striking embodiment of postmodern architectural ethos. Amidst the backdrop of diverse architectural styles scrutinized during the 1960s and 1970s, Hollein's creation stood as a beacon of pluralism and reinterpretation.

The street of styles, as Hollein dubbed it, featured columns adorned with various elements, ranging from brick and concrete to classical ruins, seamlessly blending the primitive with the modern. This architectural journey through time offered a profound reassessment of history, inviting viewers to navigate through physical permeability and experience the communicative power of built environments.

Collaborating with esteemed architects such as Ricardo Bofill and Frank O. Gehry, Hollein orchestrated a symphony of diverse voices, each contributing a facet to the urban landscape. This plurality of perspectives, manifested in full-size facades lining the Strada Novissima, re-appropriated the past while embracing the complexities of contemporary architectural discourse.

However, amidst the celebration of postmodernism, criticisms arose. Philosopher Jürgen Habermas, in his address at the Biennale, lamented the departure from the tradition of modernity, cautioning against the allure of historicism. He underscored the imperative of preserving the unfinished project of modernity amidst encroaching conservatism in politics and culture.

Beyond the realm of architecture, parallels emerge in the worlds of confectionery and cosmetics. Just as architecture communicates narratives, sweets and makeup carry layers of symbolism, masking deeper meanings beneath their surface allure. From the ancient origins of sweets to the charged symbolism of red lipstick, each embodies allure, power, and the complexities of human expression.

Drawing inspiration from Hollein's columns, one might reinterpret architectural motifs with symbols of motherhood juxtaposed against elements of childhood desire. Ice lollies, sherbet fountains, and red lipstick become icons of maternal care, interwoven with the architectural fabric, challenging perceptions and evoking intrigue.

In this intricate tapestry of symbolism, the convergence of architecture, confectionery, and cosmetics reveals a common thread of masking and reimagining narratives. It is a reminder that behind the façade lies a deeper complexity, inviting contemplation of the masks we wear and the stories we construct in the built environment.

[cinephilesadeqi]

Movie Analysis and Review: "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" (2020)

Introduction:“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” brings back Sacha Baron Cohen’s iconic character Borat Sagdiyev, this time embarking on a daring mission with his daughter Tutar amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election. Synopsis:Fresh out of prison, Borat returns to America with his teenage daughter Tutar, intending to offer her as a bride to then–U.S. vice…

[thedrewdavidson]

"At one time those who worked in the theatre dictated its path, its growth. The many writers, actors, and directors who worked well and often created the theatre, and the public came and watched and loved or liked or endured or hated it. This is over; this is gone. Through a rabid and idiotic fear, the theatre relinquished its role as creator and designer and gave it to the public, which will always want what is safe and sweet and recognizable and easy. Bring me a star and something that reminds me of a better time. Do not test me. You think people wanted to do early [Tennessee] Williams and [Arthur] Miller? I'm telling you they did not, but we had smarter producers then: They trusted the artists; they listened to arguments. They weren't the wives or lovers of dentists or decorators or real-estate men. These were men and women who happened to have money and who happened to love the theatre and who happened to have their lives burnished by brushing up against talented people. They knew their place. Now the wives and lovers are running things and telling the artists what to do and how to do it. And we have a dumb, unimportant theatre. Your Aunt Sadie is dictating what gets on the stage. A minor talent with a sinecure sits for decades at the helm of a non-profit and regurgitates safe puddings for the Friends of Thirteen. Up at Lincoln Center you can walk into the circle jerk of [John] Guare, [A.R.] Gurney, and [Wendy] Wasserstein, and sink into the soft cushions of that theatre. Meatloaf theatre. Same-old, same-old. And where are the new plays? The new directors? Try breaking into that group and getting a job. It's all like the union of doormen, and you have to be grandfathered in by someone who has been beaten down by the landlords of badness." Elia Kazan/Interview with James Grissom/1993. Photo of Kazan and Arthur Miller by Inge Morath.

[magazinesubscriptions11]

Sagacious, clever and stunningly structured, frieze is the main magazine in contemporary craftsmanship and culture. frieze profiles rising specialists and features new flows in workmanship practice just as offering a new point of view on more settled craftsmen.

[tmarshconnors]

“If men are pushed too hard to feminize, they will become more and more interested in harsh, fascist political ideology.”

Jordan Bernt Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator. Often described as conservative, he began to receive widespread attention in the late 2010s for his views on cultural and political issues. Peterson has described himself as a classic British liberal and a traditionalist. Born: 12 June 1962 (age 61 years), Edmonton, Canada

Clinical Psychologist: Jordan Bernt Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, professor of psychology, and former professor of psychology at Harvard University. He gained widespread recognition for his academic work, particularly in the field of personality psychology.

Author: Peterson is a prolific author. His most well-known book is "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief," which explores the relationship between belief systems, mythology, and the human experience. He gained even more popularity with his second book, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," which combines psychological insights with practical advice.

Controversial Figures in Public Discourse: Peterson became a controversial figure due to his critiques of political correctness, compelled speech legislation in Canada (Bill C-16), and his stance on gender pronouns. His views on these issues sparked both support and opposition, making him a central figure in debates about free speech and political correctness.

YouTube Presence: Peterson gained significant popularity through his presence on YouTube, where he shares lectures, interviews, and discussions on a wide range of topics, including psychology, philosophy, and current events. His online presence has contributed to his global influence and audience.

Clinical Practice: Before gaining fame as a public intellectual, Peterson had a successful career as a clinical psychologist. He worked in private practice and taught at Harvard University before returning to Canada. His clinical experience has informed much of his academic and public work on topics related to psychology and self-improvement.

[wideninggyres]

YouTube Videos so far:

Nonsense Cultural Critique

Roleplaying Games

I hope you'll subscribe. I'll post some transcripts here soon. ~~~

Hey there, fellow Tumblr dwellers! Welcome to my unique, weirdo-friendly corner of the internet where I dissect, analyze, and poke fun at pop culture through the lenses of nonsense, cultural critique, and roleplaying games. In this hellsite-friendly space, I dive into a range of topics, from exploring the intricacies of punk rock and commodification, to the occasional one-off character like Hanks Musical Musings. While I do touch on Dungeons and Dragons and other gaming-related subjects, my main focus is providing fresh perspectives on various aspects of popular culture, all while embracing the chaotic energy we all love here on Tumblr.

As a dedicated fan of the Owl House maxim "us weirdos have to stick together," I've created this channel to be a safe haven for all fellow oddballs, misfits, and unconventional thinkers. Here, we can gather, share our thoughts, and revel in our shared love for all things peculiar and offbeat.

I strive to spark conversations and challenge the status quo by deconstructing media, tackling gender studies, and uncovering hidden gems in counterculture. Join me on this wild ride as we navigate the twists and turns of our ever-evolving cultural landscape and let's embrace the Tumblr chaos together, one weirdo at a time!" ~~ I had AI write that because I'm too lazy to do it properly. I know it's actually machine learning.