A culture writer with a keen focus on reality TV, movies, pop music, Black media, and celebrity culture, previously contributed to several renowned publications such as the Daily Beast, Vulture, W Magazine, and Bitch Media.
Recently, actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in “Euphoria” and her leading part in the rom-com “Anyone But You,” has attracted unexpected praise from conservative circles. Following her hosting stint on “Saturday Night Live” in March, conservative outlets celebrated her representation of traditional beauty standards reminiscent of the ’90s and early 2000s. They claimed that Sweeney’s choice to wear low-cut dresses and play up her femininity was a rejection of current “woke culture” and the Me Too movement.
Despite the attention, Sweeney has not openly embraced conservative ideologies. This newfound status reflects a broader trend where right-leaning groups are seeking recognizable figures among younger audiences, as evidenced by a surprising shift in mainstream pop culture that now often embodies conservative values.
Joel Penney, an associate professor at Montclair State University, points out that this conservative turn in popular culture stems, in part, from backlash against the Me Too movement. More emphasis has been placed on a type of masculinity that champions traditional male roles, as seen through figures like Tom Cruise, “bro” podcasters, and dominant country music artists.
In mainstream music, the spotlight on male country artists—like Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, and Luke Combs—has highlighted a return to a more conventional and masculine sound, often overshadowing their female counterparts. Despite Beyoncé’s successful entry into the genre, the focus remains predominantly male, indicating a cultural preference for traditional male narratives in country music.
The rise of conservative media has also shaped the cinematic landscape. Movies from conservative producers, including the Daily Wire, have performed well at the box office, signaling a demand for content that resonates with conservative audiences. Titles such as the biopic “Reagan” and various documentaries have generated significant earnings despite often facing criticism.
The return of themes rooted in nostalgia for an “All-American” ethos in films, alongside rising stars in the country genre, suggests a cultural shift influenced by contemporary politics. The increased visibility of conservative ideals in pop culture, while reflective of shifting audience interests, also raises questions about the cyclical nature of cultural movements in response to political climates.
As we navigate this evolving landscape of pop culture, it highlights a broader trend where artistic expression plays a crucial role in reflecting and potentially shaping societal values. The adaptability inherent in the entertainment industry points toward a potentially hopeful trajectory, suggesting that every cultural shift offers a new opportunity for dialogue, creativity, and understanding among diverse audiences.
In summary, the dynamics of popular culture appear to be shifting towards conservative values as figures like Sydney Sweeney become symbols of a movement that seeks to restore traditional aesthetics and narratives. This reflects a larger conversation about the intersection of politics and media, showing how receptiveness to changing trends may continue to evolve in the upcoming years.