On Margins s02e04 - W. David Marx — Blank Space: A Cultural History of the 21st Century
Nov 27, 2025
In this conversation, cultural historian W. David Marx dives into his book, analyzing 21st-century pop culture and shifts in societal values. He explores the impact of gallows humor post-9/11, the rise and fall of tech optimism, and how social media has reshaped creativity. Marx also reflects on personal choices to step away from Silicon Valley, the challenges of documenting rapid change, and the influence of global cultures in a digital age. The discussion highlights the complexities of artistic innovation amidst commercialization and the evolving landscape of the internet.
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Pop Culture Maps Our Cultural Mood
- Pop culture reveals the emotional texture of our era and explains why people feel weary and radicalized.
- W. David Marx uses humor and quotes to show cultural shifts without heavy-handed moralizing.
Laughing At A 9/11-Era Album Cover
- Craig recalls laughing at a provocative 2001 album cover showing the World Trade Center exploding, a moment of gallows humor after 9/11.
- The memory illustrates how dark humor and cultural artifacts presaged larger societal shifts.
Post-2008 Tech + Political Optimism
- The post-2008 era combined political optimism with a tech boom that made Silicon Valley culturally central.
- That convergence normalized tech optimism and seeded large-scale compromise as talent moved into big platforms.
