Pop Culture Ins and Outs: the Finale

Sophia Kang

To my loyal readers: 

Alas, this year is coming to a close, which in turn means that this will be my last pop-culture article. I appreciate those of you who have kept up to date with my latest likes and dislikes. I hope that Timothee Chalamet remains close to your heart and “Bottoms” was a hit. As my parting gift to you, for I am of senior status, I offer a summary of my latest pop culture favorites and disgusts. I am as chronically online as they come so try and keep up. 

Ins/Recommendations: 

  1. “Challengers”:  A phenomenal movie with an even better cast and director. I’m going to learn how to play tennis so, this time next year, catch me winning Wimbledon with Mike Faist by my side like the arm candy he is. Wish me luck. 

  2. Onika Burger (brain rot) - She = onika, ate = burger 

  3. “Ohhhhh my god u only had iced coffee to eat today? Should we tell everyone? Should we throw a party? Should we invite Bella Hadid?”: This is my favorite tweet right now; every time I reference this, I am met with blank stares. This is unacceptable. A perfect way to shut down annoying comments. 

  4. “Emergency Intercom” podcast: I have been watching Enya and Drew since I was a wee eighth grader, and they shaped my brain chemistry. Although this is a bad thing, they are the perfect amount of chronically online and hilarious. However, I’m doing you a favor with this recommendation so please be courteous and gatekeep.

  5. “I Think You Should Leave,” Episode 3, Season 2, “Dylan’s Burger” (TV): I’m joking. I’m joking. 

  6. “Brokeback Mountain”: You don’t realize it until you’re quoting it, but you can reference it in ANY situation. A genuinely beautiful movie. I love “Brokeback Mountain” x “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” or “Challengers” edits. 

Outs/“Get a job!! Stay away from her!!”: 

  1. TikTok Rizz Party (extreme brain rot): I’m a D1 hater so let me be the first to admit, I don’t get it. I appreciate the queer lore between the Leader and Turkish Quandale Dingle, but everything else is dumb. Anything that reminds of middle school boys has to go. Bonus: they look like they smell like Axe body spray and would smack high doorways.

  2. BookTok (brain rot): “Billionaire, 6’5, brown eyes.” I have read genuine garbage because of my naivety (ie. “Just Like the Movies” (returned), “The Unhoneymooners” (gathering dust and shame on my shelf).) Never again. 

  3. Slime not made in bowls: Literally why? The glue gets everywhere. Where’s the shaving cream? 

  4. Self-Glazing (ultimate brain rot): “Omg I lowkey have thunder thighs and an hourglass waist ;( but I wear baggy clothes </33.” Let’s stay playful together. This is not playful. Be so serious, no one clapped when you wore tighter clothes. 

  5. Graduating (real-life activity): Leaving my friends is horrible and I will never recover. I deserve to maintain my child status until I am fully ready to embrace adulthood (TBD). I did not have enough time to share just how chronically online I am and how fantastic my taste is.