Popular culture

Popular culture seems to idolize a certain way of living. As I listened to “Pop That Pussy” by 2 Live Crew, I couldn’t help but notice the themes: open sex, partying hard, doing drugs, and living without limits. The message is clear—freedom means indulgence. In another one of their songs, “Banned in the USA,” the group pushes back against censorship, arguing that their lyrics are misunderstood and not meant to promote violence or disrespect toward women. They claim to be simply expressing pleasure and freedom in a new era, pushing against the morals of those who don’t understand—likely white, conservative America. Hearing those lyrics made me reflect on the current state of popular culture, especially from my perspective as a middle-class white guy in my early twenties. Today, in much of rap, movies, and TikTok, there’s this ever-present sense that to be “free” is to act on every desire. If you want to fuck, you fuck. If you want to do drugs, you do them. If you want to party and lose ...
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Dec 17

I think there's something special in taking responsibility. You are putting a decision into the universe and following up and accepting whatever results from it. I've felt my weakest when I make a decision and regret it. For example, if I go out and get drinks with my friends, instead of taking responsibility for the possible consequences such as not studying that day or spending too much money. I instead feel bad about it during the present moment which is just a double whammy of consequences on top of a bad experience. If instead I can convince myself that the decision I made will have consequences but I still chose to take it on in spite of it I would feel a lot better.

This applies to other types of decisions as well. For example, if I tell someone I want to make plans with them. Following up with them about it should be a priority, that is if I actually care for the person. For me, it's also a good way of recognizing if other people are worth my time and commitment. If someone doesn't do something they say they would then how could I trust them at all in a relationship. 

For the ladder comment, I'm going to start implementing a three-strike approach. The first time I'll brush it off as a mistake, the second I'll address the issue, and the third time I will move on from that person. 

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