The 'White Girl' trend reflects a global capitalist economic system that encourages imitation of Western, particularly white, aesthetics. This trend was prominent in early 2023, especially on platforms like Xiaohongshu, where it was associated with a pink, soft aesthetic. However, by the end of the year, the trend had waned, replaced by a growing interest in Korean beauty standards, indicating a shift in self-identity and cultural preferences among East Asian women.
The podcast highlights the challenges faced by K-pop idols like Blackpink members as they attempt to break into the Western music industry. Despite their efforts, such as releasing albums without K-pop influences or starring in Western TV shows, they face criticism and skepticism from both Western audiences and their East Asian fans. This reflects broader issues of cultural assimilation and the struggle for acceptance in a predominantly Western-centric music industry.
The podcast notes that 'Goodbye Lover' initially gained high viewership due to its focus on relationship conflicts, which captivated audiences. However, its popularity sharply declined after a key couple reconciled, leading to a loss of interest. This phenomenon is likened to the dynamics of short dramas, where sustained conflict is crucial for maintaining viewer engagement. The show's narrative structure and the audience's desire for unresolved tension played significant roles in its fluctuating popularity.
The 'mental health' keyword reflects the widespread discussion and self-awareness of psychological well-being in 2023. The podcast discusses how terms related to mental health have become part of everyday language, often used in a self-deprecating manner. This trend is indicative of a broader societal shift towards acknowledging and addressing mental health issues, as seen in the popularity of mental health-themed merchandise and the integration of psychological discourse in media and personal narratives.
The podcast critiques the trend of realism in Chinese cinema, questioning whether it truly captures the complexities of reality or merely caters to audience expectations. It discusses how films like 'The Wandering Earth' and 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' focus on small-scale, personal stories within limited settings, which may not fully represent the broader societal issues. The critique extends to the potential overuse of realism as a narrative device, which might dilute its artistic and social impact.
The concept of 'hope as a method' is introduced as an alternative to goal-oriented thinking, particularly in the context of anthropology. It suggests that actions should be driven by hope rather than predefined goals, allowing for a more fluid and responsive approach to life's uncertainties. This perspective challenges the conventional linear progression of setting and achieving goals, proposing instead a more integrated and dynamic interaction with the world.
The podcast explores the tension between personal identity and societal expectations, particularly through the lens of East Asian women navigating cultural and aesthetic standards. It discusses how individuals oscillate between adopting Western ideals and embracing local identities, reflecting broader struggles with self-identity in a globalized world. This dynamic is evident in the shifting popularity of beauty trends and the critical reception of cultural exports like K-pop.
本期主持人 | 董子琪
转眼到了年底,今年我们编辑部聊了许多话题,从一年一度的春节聚会、高考报志愿到体育盛事巴黎奥运,再到年度热议的各类文化现象,像是综艺《再见爱人》《歌手》、现实主义电影、淡学、治愈系、老登学,以及流行时尚单品,比如防晒服、苹果手表、学术酒吧还有精神卫生中心的文创。
全年四十六期当中,我们试图在日常中捕捉文化的趋势还有时下人们的心态。记得去年也在这个栏目中盘点了世界上的年度关键词,包括日韩的年度词汇、《咬文嚼字》的年度词汇、《柯林斯词典》和《剑桥词典》以及《韦氏词典的》的关键词等。听了那么多别人的关键词,不知编辑部的各位,自己的年度关键词是什么?
【本期嘉宾】尹清露 徐鲁青 潘文捷
【音频&文字版整理】徐鲁青 周文晴(实习记者) 覃瑜曦(实习记者)
【时间线】
Part1. 2024年,你的第一个年度关键词?
03:00 东亚身份认同与音乐工业:从白女风潮到韩女流行
09:19 《再见爱人》与短剧爆火,被“冲突”吸引的注意力
13:47 精神状态成为自嘲单品,我们在残酷现实中寻求治愈
17:03 影视作品与底层写作,现实主义题材的流行与反思
22:30 “黏腻”是一种厘不清也道不明的感觉
Part2. 备受关注的社会心态与文化心理
24:48 浓人vs淡人:也许我们每个人都可以淡妆浓抹总相宜
31:40 学会钝感是一种生存策略
35:30 抵抗不确定性和焦虑的方式之一:看到另一种生活样态
41:28 吞噬感与中式恐怖,恐怖与压抑是灵魂的战栗
【本期节目中提到的书籍】
【日】宮崎広和《The Method of Hope:Anthropology, Philosophy, and Fijian Knowledge》
【中】颜世安《游世与自然生活:庄子评传》
【日】宇野常宽《〇〇年代的想象力》
【日】斋藤环《自伤自恋的精神分析》
【美】凯茜·帕克·洪《少数派的感受》
【本期节目中提到的影视作品】
《八角笼中》
《年会不能停》
《逆行人生》
《凡人歌》
《我是刑警》
《热辣滚烫》
《白莲花度假村》
《再见爱人》(综艺)
【本期节目使用的音乐】
En:Dream It Possible_Delacey