A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein cover image

A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein

How Conservatism Infiltrated Pop Culture

Feb 7, 2025
Taylor Lorenz, a former New York Times journalist, and Kat Tenbarge, formerly with NBC News, dive into the newfound aesthetic of young conservatism. They discuss how modern conservative fashion mirrors Reagan-era styles, appealing especially to women. The conversation highlights the rise of 'trad wives' and old money aesthetics, critiquing the performative nature of influencer culture. They also examine the Kardashians' evolving dating choices and the broader implications of cultural appropriation within today's political landscape.
01:03:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast discusses how young conservatives' fashion choices reflect a longing for traditional values while embracing modern fast fashion's contradictions.
  • It critically explores the regression of beauty standards among young women, from celebrating Black features to conforming to more Eurocentric aesthetics.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Aesthetic Politics

The podcast examines the shift in political aesthetics among young conservatives, highlighting how their current fashion choices reflect a longing for traditional values while ironically embracing modern fast fashion. Influencers and young adults are seen cosplaying wealth and conservative ideals, often wearing inexpensive items from brands like Shein at events designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The discussion reveals a stark contrast between the costly venues they choose to celebrate these ideals and the cheap, mass-produced clothing they often wear, suggesting a hollowness in their desired identity. This aesthetic shift is emblematic of a broader cultural phenomenon where political alignment intertwines with style, reflecting deeper socio-economic insecurities.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode