The Gray Area with Sean Illing The death of cool
Aug 5, 2021
Writer and artist Safy-Hallan Farah discusses the ever-evolving concept of 'cool,' tracing its transformation from the 1990s to today. The conversation dives into how generational differences shape perceptions, influenced by factors like class and consumption. They explore the impact of social media on identity and the quest for authenticity, particularly among Gen Z. Farah also shares humorous anecdotes reflecting on the challenges of cultivating taste in a culture where everything is accessible, revealing the complex interplay between personal identity and societal norms.
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First Cool Job
- Safy-Hallan Farah describes her first cool job at Paper Darts magazine.
- She felt socially inept and obsessed over minor details like misspellings in emails.
Cool and Insecurity
- Coolness is often linked to insecurity and the perception of others' power or status.
- People often chase what others deem cool, rather than trusting their own tastes.
Whiteness and Coolness
- Coolness was often perceived as hegemonically white.
- Safy-Hallan Farah, despite attending predominantly Black schools, felt her tastes, influenced by folk music, were not considered cool by her peers.
