City Journal Audio City Journal Podcast Highlights
Dec 23, 2025
As 2025 wraps up, hear a deep dive into the cultural impact of Sydney Sweeney's controversial jeans ad. The conversation shifts to why brands are now reluctant to apologize for online backlash. Explore Gen Z's diverse definitions of success, blending career ambitions with family expectations. The panel also tackles how celebrity influences, like Taylor Swift's engagement, might shift societal norms. Plus, insights on Zohran Mamdani's surprising primary win in NYC shed light on evolving political dynamics.
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Viral Ads Win By Not Over-Apologizing
- The Sidney Sweeney American Eagle campaign created a viral moment by being tongue-in-cheek and not taking itself too seriously.
- Charles Fain Lehman and Brian C. Anderson note the internet backlash didn't match customer polling or sales impact.
Gen Z Frames Success As Career First
- Gen Z definitions of success skew toward career and financial independence across political lines.
- Hosts argue question wording and associations with 'success' likely pushed professional answers higher.
Celebrity Engagements Rarely Spark Real Booms
- Hosts reacted to Taylor Swift's engagement and debated whether celebrity milestones drive real social change.
- Ralph and Nicole Gelinas argued celebrity events rarely trigger lasting marriage or birth booms and can even encourage waiting.