SOCIAL_Commentary_Vol.3
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SOCIAL_Commentary is a reading of our memes — theorizing what they say about the zeitgeist — an expression of collective truths.
Time helps us “reframe” norms.
But what happens when our sense of time is distorted? What if culture is perceived to be moving faster?
Does our ability to stigmatize or accept also change at a faster pace?
What if yesterday’s acceptable rituals become controversial overnight, or antiquated views become normalized by next month?
Is it a sense of time that helps us reframe, or the literal years?
Kairos vs. Chronos
How often do we use framings which fail us?
And how often are we not using an available framing, which can benefit us?
A winning presidential talking point.
This is intimate attention in a world prioritizing scale and automation.
How can you integrate “unapologetically un-scalable” into both your work and life?
What do we lose when SSRI’s are influenced?
“I’ll be Bach” if you still haven’t gotten it.
What if instead of simplifying comms until it’s explainable to a five-year-old, we made comms (and ads) more complicated so understanding them became a gentle challenge with a payoff?
Humans love games, puzzles and riddles. Or more precisely, we crave accomplishment.
Why do we so often insist on treating people like morons?
We applaud emotional communications, but what about smart ones?
Despite loosening gender binaries and coded-products, the counter-trend thrives: the doubling down on identity conventions.
To get men to soften their hair, Head and Shoulders released bourbon-scented shampoo. To get them to buy concealer, makeup is now branded in tough eye-black packaging. To get them in touch with their feelings, mindfulness apps market themselves as “emotional fitness” strengtheners.
Are these tactics purging male toxicity, or cementing convention further?
It’s not cultural-, media- or digital-literacy that will solve our problems, but pause, reflection and self-examination.
In this case, just literally just a half a second pause.
We sometimes want to be angry more than we want to think.
I’m curious why the Simulation Theory seems to be everywhere as of late — and other related outlooks (see above).
Is this narcissistic “Main Character Energy,” making us each think we’re in The Truman Show — everyone must be acting for us?
Or is it a realization that we’re not as advanced nor in control as we think? Disbelief in our moment. AI. Aliens. “No way this could be real — we’re quite powerless here.”
These two hypothesizes sit on opposite ends of a spectrum: Arrogance vs. Humility.
“I’m the most important” vs. “We’re utterly insignificant”
Where do you fall?
Look around.
How much ad space could be used for art... or photos of baby turtles?
We’re constantly optimizing for ads.
But what does optimization for art look like?
Here’s the kicker: These are not mutually exclusive.
Free idea: Advertisers can subsidize public (physical OOH and digital media) art where they would have once placed ads, and still get the brand credit.
Win win.
SOCIAL_Commentary_Vol.3
Two powerful things:
"We applaud emotional communications, but what about smart ones?"
"We’re constantly optimizing for ads. But what does optimization for art look like?"
Cheers Zine !!!!!