It's Been a Minute Cringe culture says stop. We say lean in.
Aug 20, 2025
Ramtin Arablouei, co-host of NPR's Throughline, dives into the complexities of cringe culture with musician Brendan Abernathy, who gained fame—and backlash—for his heartfelt performance. They discuss how public judgment can weigh heavily on artists, especially in today's viral landscape. The conversation explores the emotional challenges of navigating online criticism and the evolution of creative authenticity. Brendan shares a new song reflecting his experiences, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in art and self-acceptance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Viral Fame Turned Hostile
- Brendan Abernathy posted an earnest acoustic clip that went viral and provoked massive ridicule.
- He describes being mocked and told to take his life despite having lived out of his car and struggling to sell tickets.
Cringe Is A Cultural Cycle
- Cringe echoes past cultural cycles where trying hard signalled inauthenticity, like 90s anti-poserness.
- Ramtin links today's cringe to a long-standing suspicion of earnestness and ambition.
Judging Others Mirrors Self-Doubt
- Judgment often reflects our own inadequacy and unexpressed creativity.
- Ramtin admits he used to tear others down when he wasn't putting his own work into the world.