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Gretchen's avatar

I also struggled with that "Obamacore" essay, and it's affirming to hear that someone else did too! I started reading it, expecting it to be more of a political analysis of that era than a meandering trip through pop culture hallmarks of the Obama years. There were some good smaller insights I think (ie. that having a Black president did not automatically translate to more Black actors getting roles in film and TV), but it felt like the author came up with "the Obama years were our '60s" and then tried to retroactively prove that just because it kind of felt true and like a snappy little thing to say. And btw, I don't even actually agree with that parallel because the '60s were famously tumultuous, and I think *now* feels more like the '60s, but I digress.

The way the article tried to assert that the pop culture of this era was uniquely cringey feels short-sighted because ALL pop culture seems embarrassing and uncool 10 to 15 years out. It really should have been more about hopefulness was not enough on its own and how we just kind of expected progress to continue without any further collective action. This time around, we need to translate that hope for change into a true "60s moment" with highly organized collective action that doesn't let up after one or two wins.

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Asha Sanaker's avatar

I can't speak for the guy who wrote the Obamacore piece, but I'm aware that my cynicism so often, like my anger, is a cover for really deep heartbreak. And also envy-- of people (particularly White people) who can still drum up sincere, and what seems like uncomplicated, excitement about anything having to do with mainstream politics, instead of tip-toeing around it all wondering when the other shoe is going to drop. When that hopefulness will get sullied by what feels like the inevitable capitulation (at best) or embrace by whoever is inspiring that jubilation of the darkest levers of power. And I say all of this as one of the most cringe-y, earnest people I know, but also one who has felt deeply and fundamentally alienated by nearly every aspect of mainstream culture and politics my entire life. (Thanks for that inheritance, Mom and Dad.) This makes me look at what (I perceive as) uncritical enthusiasm with a peculiar mix of envy mixed with exasperation and disdain, the last two being less painful than the first.

All this to say, thank you for this. It's good for my (often tired) heart.

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