How Archie Got His Groove Back
The setup of Archie Comics was straightforward, as was its protagonist. But the success of Riverdale speaks to the Archieverse's surprising fluidity.
How Oprah Became a Cultural Icon
The idea of a President Oprah has sparked excitement rather than ridicule. Americans value symbolism as much as political experience; while Oprah has little of the latter, she is practically made of the former.
Instagram, YouTube, and the New Child Stars
The term 'child star' is almost synonymous with dysfunction. We're familiar with TV and movie kids, but what about those made famous by social media?
How Typewriters Changed Everything
Voice recognition technology is beginning to compete with typing. Would the end of typing change the business world forever?
Eat the Rich: What Amazon and Whole Foods Tell Us about Internet-Era Eating
The internet has already transformed how Americans eat; the Amazon/Whole Foods deal is just the culmination of this transformation.
The Sexual Lessons of 1980s Teen Magazines
Teen magazines put girls in charge by inverting the male gaze
The False Promises of Wellness Culture
Wellness is everywhere today: juice cleanses, Soulcycle classes, self-care. The roots of the trend can be found in nineteenth-century health-consciousness.
There’s Class Inside That Glass of Tang
A scholar examines kitschy American foods as an entree into a conversation about class in the United States.
The Sinful Allure of Southern Theme Parks
Southern theme parks have their roots in sin, regional patriotism, and sideshow culture.
How Beer Companies Made Light Beer Macho
Light beer was originally marketed for its reduced calorie count. But heavy drinking men weren't into that.