The Gray Area with Sean Illing The value of being a "hater"
Feb 13, 2023
In this engaging conversation, Justin Charity, a senior writer at The Ringer and cultural critic, discusses the complex nature of being labeled a "hater" online. He and guest host Rebecca Jennings delve into the blurred lines between criticism and negativity in the age of social media. They unpack the implications of backlash against critics, the rise of performative positivity, and how the phrase "let people enjoy things" has morphed into a shield against dissent. Charity advocates for a space where constructive criticism and diverse perspectives can thrive.
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Hater Evolution
- The value of "haters" has shifted over time, influenced by trends like poptimism and anti-sellout culture.
- Currently, there's a growing backlash against poptimism, allowing for more critical discourse.
Influencer Brain
- Rebecca Jennings observes that influencers often view the world in black and white terms: fans or haters.
- This binary thinking limits nuanced criticism and can trickle down to regular people online.
Hip-Hop vs. Internet
- Justin Charity notes that hip-hop culture has always been antagonistic, with "hating" as a sport.
- The current dynamic, however, frames haters as antagonists to anyone enjoying popular culture.
