Pop Culture Phenomenon
The 2019-2020 school is coming to an end later this month, and many memories and moments have been made on the school grounds. In the pop culture world, many moments have also been made that have impacted individuals all around the world, whether they were funny, sad, or exciting. Many celebrities break-ups, new movies, iconic songs and albums, and new artists have made the 2019-2020 school year fun. Since the rise of COVID-19, some pop culture has been on temporary hold because many people are unable to do anything. The memories and moments that have been documented by the news are on hold. Sophomore, Carina Rios, says that her favorite pop culture moment of this school year would be that during any crisis that we have, it turns into a popular meme.
“I think that any near crisis we have had this year has become a meme on Twitter and TikTok. A big meme that happened was when we were supposed to have World War 3, and everyone was just making fun of what was going on, but it was not really something we should have been joking around with, and I think that is a pretty good representation of our country,” said Rios.
The app TikTok has also been a memorable app that has spiked the interests of people all around the world and also different ages. Creators like Charli D’Amelio and her sister Dixie D’Amelio are popular TikTok creators who have millions of followers for their lip singing and dancing videos. The D’Amelio sisters have also become popular on Instagram and since the start of their popularity, they have been seen in commercials and have also started their own merchandise company. TikTok is a way for their creators to put themselves out there and have fun with their creations and gain the popularity that they desire. TikTok is also a way for people to make new friends based on the things they like and create. Sophomore, Ericka Solis, enjoys the app because she can watch her favorite creators and meet new people.
“TikTok is a fun app because I can learn new dances and have fun when I am watching some of the videos. I have met a lot of new friends on the app and all the videos that are on my For You page are always fun and entertaining to watch,” Solis said.
Many music artists have also released new music and albums. Artists like Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, and Halsey have all released albums this school year. Number one songs like ‘Señorita’ by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, ‘Say So’ by Doja Cat, and ‘Bad Guy’ by Billie Eilish have all been songs that have been number one this school year. Music this year has become popular through TikTok and on Instagram. Many artists gain fame through their followers on social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok. Music is a big part of pop culture because it is a way for many artists to express themselves in the lyrics that they write for people to listen to and connect with. Sophomore, Brianna Packer, says that music and art calm her down when she needs time to think to herself after she has had a long day.
“I am really big into art, so drawing helps me a lot with calming down and having something to do. Leonardo Da Vinci is a favorite artist of mine. Musical artists like Imagine Dragons and Ariana Grande have great songs that I enjoy listening too. Listening to music helps me as well because I can somehow relate to whatever the artist is trying to say in the lyrics, and personally, I think that is why artists like releasing music for their fans,” said Packer.
Pop culture is a big way for people to express their likes and dislikes in the movies, songs, books, video games, or even apps that they enjoy. Apps like TikTok and Instagram are major platforms to a lot of individuals, and it is a way for people of different backgrounds to express themselves. Music and movies are also big in pop culture because music represents how the artist feels and movies represent the mind of the screenwriter. Pop culture changes all the time, so the next school year, new songs, slang, and celebrities will all change as well.