Pop Culture

Met Gala Makes an Entertaining Return After a Year Off

Tradition of outlandish and extravagant outfits continues

By Tara Stoeffler

The Met Gala took place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 after taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, it is set on the first Monday of May. However, this year it took place five months later since the museum just recently returned from a 16-month hiatus.

Some refer to the Met Gala as the fashion equivalent of the Oscars. Celebrities, artists, and designers all dress up in unique outfits for an evening in order to raise funds for the Costume Institute’s annual exhibit. Every year, this event welcomes new faces and upcoming artists in the public eye. The fashion theme for the event was about celebrating American fashion, and there were several special outfits of the night. Red, white, and blue were the popular colors for the majority, however Kim Kardashian was an exception as she attended the event in an all-black outfit. While many adhere to the fashion theme(s) of that year, many simultaneously look to deliver certain messages through their clothes. Kardashian’s outfit was one that was criticized and brought to discussion. There are several interpretations of what her look meant and how it connected to American fashion. Some believe it connected to her failed marriage with Kanye West, and others thought it was about cancel culture. There was no outright politicalness from her fashion choice, yet some claimed it to be “overly political.” Undoubtedly, her dress was ambiguous. And because of that, it was a blank slate to which society applied its own meaning.

Lil Nas X was one of the shockers of the event with his costume changes. He pulled off three different outfits that were incredibly intricate. His first outfit was a cape that had gold beading. It was longer in the back, which caught everyone’s eyes as he strolled down the red carpet. After removing the cape, Lil Nas was seen in a suit of gold armor. With this look, he left the spectators speechless. And finally, he took his “battle wear” off to reveal a bodysuit adorned with crystals and the classic Versace print. Although this was Lil Nas’ first appearance at the Met, he acted natural and was one of the stars of the night.

Yara Shahidi channeled an American-born French figure, Josephine Baker, with the signature curled hair paired with a stunning diamond headband. She had braids mixed with soft curls. Billie Eilish honored Marilyn Monroe with her platinum blonde hairdo and makeup. She traded Monroe’s classic red lipstick for a natural, more nude-colored lip. Billie wore a long, flowy, peach-colored dress that complimented her hair naturally. Other unique looks were worn by Tessa Thompson, Naomi Osaka, Kristen Stewart, Jasmine Tookes, Rihanna, and Keke Palmer.

This year’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” held its own meaning for the attendees and artists behind the many looks we saw during this Met Gala. One of the designers, Diane von Furstenberg, stated the goal of this year’s event: “we are trying to be beautiful and colorful and look forward.”

Influencers Take the Stage and "Cash in" on Success and Popularity

By Sara McCarthy

The rise of popular content creator apps has brought on a new kind of profession for aspiring young adults. Apps such as Instagram and Tiktok have become part of current pop culture due to its popularity between the average ages of 16 to 24. Tiktok recently gained one billion users and its popularity among the young people on the app have caused more brands to hire influencers. This notation has caused people who have a substantial platform on these apps to be known as influencers. They are part of brand deals and promote a wide variety of products from clothes to makeup and even more well-known influencers.

An influencer has the benefit of being closer to their audience than a celebrity. Children who have access to the internet will admire someone more close to their age and look up to people with a substantial following. An influencer’s actions reflect their person, which could potentially damage the minds of the youth. For instance, a TikToker named Bryce Hall has a platform of 20 million followers on the app. Hall was in the midst of controversy this past year because of his disregard for the Covid laws in Los Angeles. He continued to throw parties during the pandemic with no safety protocols or protections. Now, more than ever, it is important to have people with followers preach safe methods of interacting even with the pandemic still going on.

In most cases, the influencers' fame is random rather than planned. Addison Rae began making videos with her mother which exploded her into the public eye. From there, she expanded her account and focused on a career in making dance videos. Now, she is currently starring in movies such as Netflix’s “He’s all that." Not all influencers are lucky enough to branch out from TikTok and other apps. In fact, being an influencer provides no job security at all. The algorithm is not linear and many aspiring influencers must be smart and clever with their posts. Not only that, but there are many other people competing for the same goal. It is not an easy market as it may seem. Being an influencer is a fulltime job with a demanding schedule. Engagement becomes low when content becomes scarce, and an influencer's livelihood depends on the amount of involvement from their viewers. It is a considerably risky career, but many influencers are young adults who have the advantage of being young to pursue other passions.

As influencers become the new celebrities, the majority of brands and labels have expanded their budget from 4% to 59% in a 2020 survey. It is clear now that the marketing is increasing to an estimated 13.6 billion dollar worth due to the credible work of influencers. An influencer has the benefit of reaping free merchandise from brand deals. It also includes being invited to events to post about certain products. However, only 32.4% of brands pay the person with cash, which leaves some people without profits. This mostly happens to "lower-ranked" influencers with a smaller platform or others just starting to join the business. Regardless, it takes time for people in the influencing market to start having a steady income and it will not always be an option due to the algorithm in many social media apps.

There is no denying the influence social media has in today's society. 72.3% of Americans are active monthly on these platforms and use it in their daily lives as well. Social media has provided entertainment for all and a career for those who aspire to express themselves on social media. It is constant work to know when to post and what will gain the most interaction from followers. Once they develop effective routine for posting and maintaining a good following, in influencers have a great chance of having a successful career with great accomplishments along the way.

Instagram Standards Incite Body Image Issues Among Followers

Social media giant forced to testify and take responsibility

By Ilana Blumenthal

Instagram has been a popular app for over 10 years. It is a place where one can share a highlight reel of their life. Many people sign up for an account on Instagram in their early years to look at the exciting events happening in other people’s lives. The purpose of Instagram has evolved, and the algorithm has shifted. Instagram now consists of unrealistic body images, relationships, and lives, and has become toxic on many levels.

Instagram is a place to scroll and pass time but what happens to children when they are constantly exposed to the unrealistic, photo shopped images of influencers? One may think that they have to do whatever it takes to look like that one influencer just so that they can be likable. What these girls do not know is that influencers manipulate their images and even get plastic surgery to modify their appearance. Because of these standards, many young girls develop mental illnesses such as eating disorders. Many extreme dieting pages on Instagram encourage destructive eating disorder habits. The app entices teen girls to lose weight in radical ways in order to look a certain way.

What has Instagram done about the toxicity of the app? According to CNN reports, Instagram conducted a study that included a fake profile that showed interest in certain diet accounts. The user was exposed to many extreme dieting accounts that encouraged a dangerously unhealthy diet. Some pages on Instagram rationalizes the idea of going to extremes to look a certain way. So, Instagram took the responsibility of banning certain accounts that gave off the wrong message, but is this enough? BBC states, “There is evidence too of children searching for so-called ‘ana-buddies’-others who can help them make their illness more extreme.” Not only does Instagram glamorize eating disorders, it pushes young children to intensify their habits as well. In 2012 Instagram banned certain hashtags surrounding eating disorders. Although Instagram has made minor changes, the algorithm still pulls users into a rabbit hole once they first show interest in dieting. Instagram has the ability to change one’s healthy mindset into one that is very harmful. Instagram is now making more of an effort to remove certain content. The government is now stepping up in order to make sure content that promotes eating disorders is not available.

Sixty-nine percent of females ages ten to eighteen state that photographs of models and celebrities in the media motivated their ideal “body" shape. The numbers continue to increase as time goes on. The influence of the media has negatively impacted many young lives. Anorexia and bulimia are serious issues. Ninety percent of teens with anorexia are female, this can directly correlate with the impact of social media. Young girls with these disorders did not intend to develop these mental illnesses. Eating less, trying to take up as little space as possible, doing whatever it takes to reach a number on a scale, starts as a habit but eventually ends up becoming a lifestyle, a very dangerous and grueling lifestyle.

There are people who are trying to bring this issue to light including Frances Haugen. In early October 2021, the whistle-blower and former employee of Facebook, spoke with members of congress regarding an Online Safety Bill. She argued that Instagram, specifically, was more dangerous than other forms of media. She also claimed that the use of the app, particularly with children, formed an 'addict's narrative' where users aren't happy yet can't stop themselves from using the app. Haugen got the ball rolling and now progress is being made.

UPDATE AS OF 12/8/21: INSTAGRAM FORCED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE AND PROVIDE ANSWERS

The CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, is currently testifying in front of the Senate and answering some tough questions due to the dangers that Instagram poses for younger members of the app. Haugen and other whistle-blowers are now revealing that Instagram was aware of the serious harm they were causing but remained unresponsive to the problem, choosing instead to place company profits above public safety. It was also revealed that the app suggested inappropriate content to a ficticious 13 year old child in a fake account posted by the government. Prior to the incident, Instagram planned to set up a child-safe version of the app to avoid such issues, however it was put on hold. The company has since announced the resumption of that plan but is currently undergoing major backlash as many feel they cannot be trusted t0 monitor such an app and will do more harm than good. In addition, Instagram continues to display/promote unattainable beauty standards, contributing to the rapid decline in teen mental health which is currently at Crisis level according to the US surgeon general, the nation's top physician, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy. He notes that the pandemic intensified mental health issues that were already widespread.

Young people struggle with body issues each and every day, comparing and competing with others. Experts remind teens that they need not change their appearance and warn society to modify its perspective. Life is a gift to be lived and enjoyed and we must accept people for who they are and encourage them to be their best selves. It is high time social media giants like Instagram are forced to step up to protect our young citizens and future leaders.

Music Evolves Through the Decades

People turn to music for comfort and calm now more than ever

By Genevieve Simon

Music, like any other art form, has become a record of human evolution and shows both how much and how little human beings have actually changed over thousands of years. Especially during this Pandemic, music and other Art forms have been recognized for their timeless power to sooth, communicate and express sentiments and emotions.

Music first emerged during either the Middle (300,000-50,000 BP) or Upper (50,000-12,000 BP) Paleolithic period. People would sing basic melodies and play rudimentary bone flutes. The “Hurrian Hymn No. 6” is considered to be the world’s first recorded melody, an ancient Mesopotamian melodic fragment from about 1400 B.C.E.. It was written to be performed on the lyre and includes harmonies and contrasting rhythms. It has all of the elements of a modern composition. The main thing that sets it apart from more modern music is its intended audience. At this point in history, music would have only been enjoyed by a small group of the wealthy elite.

Ancient music refers to music produced by ancient literate civilizations, including China, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran/Persia, the Maya civilization, Mesopotamia, and Rome. Beyond prehistoric and ancient music, which ended around 500 CE the seven eras of western music are Medieval (1150-1400), Renaissance (1400-1600), Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1750-1830), Early Romantic (1830-1860), Late Romantic (1860-1920), and the Post ‘Great War’ Years (1920-present).

Medieval western music was exemplary of the time period. Medieval Europe was very religious and was overwhelmingly uneducated, as the printing press was not invented until 1440. Medieval music was simple, and there was very little understanding of how different voices could be put together. It was believed that only one melody could be sung at a time, and so the vocal music of the time was the Gregorian chant. The Gregorian chant was a monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song sung in Latin for the Roman Catholic Church.

Renaissance music, like everything else in Europe after the Plague, evolved much more quickly than the music of the Medieval era. More instruments were played at a time, vocal harmony was discovered, and music became more accessible to the lower classes. Western music during the Baroque period evolved into an early version of modern composition. Modern harmonies came into widespread use around 1600, and variations of modern instruments were used. Very precise, simple rhythms were the norm, and major keys were favored. Classical music focused on the development of more balanced, elegant melodies and harmonies. Romantic music was much more expressive, placing emphasis on emotion rather than conformity within the “rules” of music.

Music of the 20th century branched away from these clearcut eras, particularly with the emergence of American pop culture. The 1920s saw the formation of jazz, Vaudeville musical acts, the advent of movie scores, and the first recordings of pre-existing tunes. In the times of American slavery, many African American styles of musical expression were born as ways to communicate and connect with fellow slaves. Rhythms popular in African music were incorporated into gospel music and tap-dancing. Soul, blues, bluegrass, funk, hip-hop… all African American in origin. Even the basic concept of improvisation largely comes from African Americans.

In the 1930s, big bands and swing music gained popularity. They continued to evolve and change throughout the next couple decades, and Country music began to emerge. The 70s and 80s introduced some of the disco, jazz, and soul music that many people still enjoy today. These genres blended with the 90s rap, raggae, R&B, and urban music which surfaced soon after.

Today, one of the most-favored genres is pop. Some popular artists and songs gain popularity through different forms of media.

Music is an timeless art form. Though it will continue to change over time, music and its many forms will always lighten our moods, provide entertainment, and unite us all. During this challenging time, people played instruments on balconies and attended concerts outdoors to keep their spirits up and savor memories brought back of better days when circumstances were different but music remained the common thread of hope and humanity.