Culture Study Podcast Why Is Katy Perry So Embarrassing?
Jul 9, 2025
Zach Stafford, co-host of Vibe Check and a keen observer of pop culture, joins to dissect Katy Perry's recent cultural moments. Together, they tackle the cringe-worthy aspects of her space trip and promotional strategies. The conversation delves into Perry's fluctuating image, her connection to the LGBTQ+ community, and the expectations placed on female performers. They also ponder her attempts at meaningful commentary against a backdrop of consumerism, reflecting on the complexities of maintaining authenticity in the ever-evolving pop landscape.
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Katy Perry's Rise and Fall
- Katy Perry once was a chart-topping pop queen but faded out of the spotlight over the last eight years.
- Zach Stafford notes she's struggling with her fall from peak fame while still believing she's a superstar.
Katy as Millennial Feminism Zombie
- Katy Perry embodies a millennial feminism that now appears outdated and naive.
- She is seen as the "zombie" of this feminism, performing it without real political heft or meaning.
Zach's Early Meeting With Katy Perry
- Zach Stafford shares meeting Katy Perry at a small Nashville Pride in 2007 before her big breakthrough.
- He recalls how "I Kissed a Girl" became a cultural touchpoint, especially in his own coming out story.