Ridiculous History The Ridiculous History of the 90s and Low Culture, with Ross Benes
Sep 23, 2025
Ross Benes, an author and journalist known for his insights on 90s culture, dives into the chaotic yet captivating world of low culture in 1999. He explores the evolution of talk shows into reality TV, revealing production tactics that shaped our viewing habits. The discussion also touches on the intersection of pop culture and politics, highlighting how figures like Ventura and Trump emerged. Ross reflects on the digital shift with milestones like Napster, along with the cultural tensions present in events like Woodstock '99.
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1999 As Cultural Peak
- Ross Benes argues 1999 is uniquely over-the-top and emblematic of late-90s cultural excess.
- He points to Y2K stunts, Limp Bizkit and Woodstock '99 as signs the year peaked low-culture spectacle.
What 'Low Culture' Really Means
- Low culture means the pop culture most mocked in its era but often massively popular.
- Ross says shows like Jerry Springer were derided yet had enormous viewership and cultural reach.
Watching Springer With Family
- Ross Benes recalls watching Jerry Springer with his parents as a ten-year-old in rural Nebraska.
- He remembers laughing and treating the show as entertainment rather than serious journalism.
