Connection Over Cringe: Why We Should Study Pop Culture
- Jessica Thompson
- Dec 6, 2022
- 4 min read
Op-ed written for PR Writing class.

Pop culture is all around us. We see it, hear it, and for the most part, we choose to consume it. It’s no secret that everyone has their own preference when it comes to entertainment media. Opinions about what TV shows, movies or songs are “the best” is subjective. Some might think that the musical Cats is peak entertainment while others argue that it’s a menace to society. Clearly, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. While what is deserving of a gold star in pop culture is relative to the person consuming the media, the study of pop culture is a divisive topic. Is it even worth studying?
In short, yes.
The serious study of pop culture is a recent phenomenon, starting in the past 15 years or so. However, there are multiple reasons, whether formal or informal, that it is worth the time and effort. Pop culture is both a reflection of and guideline for life. It is a lived culture. It’s a reflection of the clothes we wear, the things we say, and the entertainment we devour. This consumption also creates a sort of guideline that dictates what we see in real life. Simply put, what we see in online culture can also dictate what we see on the street. These fads and trends tell us a lot about communication, evolution of trends, and differences between generational culture.
Several professors of higher education have shared the importance of studying pop culture and its benefits. Professor Keven Allred of Rutgers University shared that pop culture figures can aid to teach race, gender, sexuality, and several hard-to-discuss topics. The cultural influence of figures like Beyoncé, he argues, is so impactful that what they do says something about the way the world see things. Professor Brian Centrone from NYU shares a similar point of view. He states that pop culture gives students and people a sense of context. Things don’t just happen; they are a result of something or the reason that something else happens. “In reality, these trends, fads, and phenomenon are deeply rooted in our past as a culture, as a nation, and as a people,” he says. “Ultimately, this is what we’re always striving to teach our students.” Pop culture can help teachers get those points across to their students.
As mentioned before, pop culture is reflective of the times. In the 80s, consumerism saw a spike and the media of the time showed similar ideas. Soda ads ran rampant and movies began to use popular songs as part of their soundtracks promoting record sales. Currently, in 2022, our own way of life is represented through memes and TikTok videos. Our ever-contested political sphere is broadcast online as well as affected in the polls. Pop culture reflects current, real life issues. We can learn about the methods of communication used between idealistic culture and real-life issues and vice versa.
Pop culture also serves another purpose. What we see in popular media can change how we think and feel. BYU professor Scott Church argues that “authentic portrayals of events and people make us more empathetic, exposing us to new perspectives and building bridges. It can be cathartic, helping us purge strong emotions and work through past experiences.” This type of emotional vulnerability can also help us connect with those around us. As such, it influences our way of life, both internally and externally.
Many critics of formal pop culture study argue that it is simply a phase, a fad, a passing moment. In reality, it is an important cultural artifact that carries weight throughout generations. TThey show what the public likes. These preferences change, especially between decades. Examination of these artifacts show how social values have changed, what we see as art, and so much more. Church states that “pop culture [has the] power to persuade us to accept messages we wouldn’t otherwise consider. Pop culture can define our perceptions of what is normal and abnormal… If we aren’t careful, it can influence our attitudes, values, beliefs, and judgements negatively.” Those against the formal study of pop culture argue that it proves to be fruitless. They see it as a non-existent conversation in higher education. In their eyes, even when it does exist formally, there is no merit or proven benefit to its teaching.
Shows like Jersey Shore and La Rosa de Guadalupe can be seen as reasons not to study pop culture. What good do they bring to society? The argument can be made that they are cheaply written and cheaply produced. They don’t show much of ideals or current issues. Rachel Wayne, a strategic storyteller, and creative marketer, argues differently. “I believe that the knowledge we gain from such study can be applied to making the world better,” she says. “We’ll happily study ourselves and produce shoes that will get people talking about social issues…” The study of pop culture gives us a depth of understanding to the human condition. It gives us an opportunity to make the world a better place through the entertainment we produce.
Pop culture is more than just the popular media that we consume. It contains many deeper levels. It serves as a form of connection. We learn what is important to the public and what our current society values as we study it. Ultimately, whether on an individual level or in an Ivy League school, it helps prepare the coming generations for the type of world they will face. It allows them to persuade the production of better content, content that really makes a difference.
Jessica Thompson is a student of Public Relations at Brigham Young University with a passion for pop culture, international cultures, and creating more bright places in the world. Currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in Latin American studies. With several years’ experience in pop culture consumption, she is working to put that knowledge to good use. She works in design and hopes to merge her two passions, communication and design, to create content that inspires the generations to come.
Comments