Tavi Gevinson on Influencers, Old vs New Media & Performativity
Oct 20, 2024
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Tavi Gevinson, a writer, actor, and producer known for her early influence in fashion and her Audible Original series, joins the conversation this week. She dives into the differences in influencer culture, exploring class dynamics and the fading relevance of traditional media. Tavi reflects on her adaptation of Edith Wharton's "Glimpses of the Moon," discussing authenticity in modern narratives. The talk also touches on art, fandom, and how women are reshaping success in the digital landscape amidst evolving cultural expectations.
The podcast highlights the absurdity of social media-driven relationships, reflecting on the struggle between genuine connection and public persona performance.
It explores the dual role of satire in critiquing societal norms while engaging with complex themes like class disparity and identity.
Deep dives
Adaptation of 'Glimpses of the Moon'
The podcast features a discussion about the adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel 'Glimpses of the Moon', which follows a couple who become wedding influencers despite not being in love. The creators aimed to modernize the narrative by intertwining themes of love, validation, and the complicated dynamics present in social media and branding. This reimagining highlights the absurdity of using relationships for social and economic gains, mirroring contemporary issues about authenticity on social platforms. The narrative encapsulates the struggle between genuine connection and the façade often maintained for public consumption.
The Influence of Social Media on Relationships
The conversation emphasizes the impact of social media on personal relationships, suggesting that individuals frequently curate their lives to present an idealized version of reality. The hosts explore how this performance can lead to disillusionment, as the expectations set by influencers and new media create pressure to appear successful and happy. This dynamic raises questions about authenticity, as many people feel compelled to exaggerate their achievements or emotions to gain approval or acknowledgment from their audience. The hosts draw parallels between these social dynamics and the historical context of elite social circles depicted in Wharton's work.
The Dual Nature of Satire
The use of satire emerges as a key theme, illustrating how it can act as both a tool for critique and a means of creative expression. The discussion touches on the freedom that satire provides in examining societal norms without facing the same consequences as traditional narratives. By framing their work with humor, the creators can navigate complex topics like class disparity and personal identity, while also allowing for deeper engagement with serious themes. The duality of earnestness and skepticism in satire not only offers entertainment but also serves to prompt critical conversations about the real-world implications of these social constructs.
Navigating Fandom and Identity
The podcast delves into the complexities of fandom and identity, particularly how personal connections to public figures can shape self-perception and community dynamics. As fans increasingly expect personal engagement from celebrities, the hosts explore the potential risks of intertwining one's identity with their admiration for public personas. This discussion reflects on the emotional investment involved in fandom and how it relates to personal experiences, especially during moments of disillusionment. Ultimately, the conversation illuminates the challenges of engaging with fandom in a way that remains meaningful and grounded amid a saturated digital landscape.
This week Ione and Gina are joined for an extra special long episode with writer, actor, producer and all round internet legend Tavi Gevinson! The three centre their conversation around class differences in the dying days of influencer culture, the changing face of fandom, and the performance of life online.
Tavi's newest project, the Audible Original series Glimpses Of The Moon, an adaptation of the 1922 Edith Wharton novel of the same name, is available to listen to now.
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