In this insightful conversation, Sean Illing, known for his work on the Gray Area podcast, explores how modern society has adopted cult-like dynamics. They discuss the allure of devotion in fandoms, using Taylor Swift's dedicated following as a prime example. Sean highlights the shift from casual fandom to intense allegiance and how identity is becoming more significant in politics. He also dives into the psychological impact of media on building exclusive communities, illustrating how today’s cultural trends reflect the characteristics of traditional cults.
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insights INSIGHT
The End of Monoculture
The internet has shattered shared reality, returning us to a pre-20th-century fragmented culture.
Monoculture, briefly achieved through technologies like television and national newspapers, is likely gone forever.
insights INSIGHT
Defining Cults
Cults are nascent movements outside the mainstream that often criticize the mainstream.
They organize around the idea that the mainstream is bad or broken, offering an alternative.
insights INSIGHT
The Seductive Power of "Us vs. Them"
People are drawn to anti-mainstream messaging because it gives them a sense of power and understanding.
Identifying a clear enemy provides a simple explanation for complex problems, offering status and a sense of belonging.
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Martin Gurri's "The Revolt of the Public" analyzes the growing disconnect between established elites and the general public, exploring the rise of populism and anti-establishment sentiment. The book examines how the rapid dissemination of information through the internet has empowered ordinary citizens, leading to a challenge to traditional power structures. Gurri argues that the elites' inability to adapt to this changing information landscape has fueled public anger and frustration. The book's central theme is the erosion of trust in institutions and the rise of alternative sources of information and authority. Gurri's analysis offers insights into the underlying causes of political polarization and the challenges facing democratic societies in the digital age.
Hitmakers
Ana Andjelic
In 'Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture', Ana Andjelic explores how modern brands have evolved into 'hitmakers', focusing on creating cultural hits through collaborations, merchandise, entertainment, and other cultural products. These strategies replace traditional advertising methods and can significantly boost brand popularity and sales. The book provides practical examples and tools for brand strategists to produce cultural hits.
Several years ago, I told some friends that I had an idea for a second book. It would be called ‘Everything Is a Cult.’ I’d noticed that in an age of declining religiosity, capitalism was filling the god-shaped hole left by the demise of organized religion with companies and services and products that were amassing a cult-like following in media, entertainment, and marketing. I never ended up writing the book. But last week, Sean Illing of ‘The Gray Area’ podcast with Vox asked me to come on his show to talk about my thinking on cults, identity, and the history of news media. Today, we're running that conversation on this feed in a rare example of me getting interviewed on my own show. Enjoy!
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Plain English with Derek Thompson 
