New technological inventions and the widespread use of social media networks have helped trends in pop culture spread quickly and efficiently. While the inventions have spurred new concepts, trends still must pass the test of time. The State Press examined some of these trends that are quite unlikable.
1. 3D bonanza: Enough is enough. Modern consumers are eager to latch onto the hottest products as soon as possible. The use of three-dimensional images has become a common element in video games, television sets and movies.
There is a certain excitement that comes along with eye-popping action, but it also comes with a hefty price. Most movies shown in 3D are considerably more expensive and can cause motion sickness.
In an economy that is still struggling to regain strength, 3D technology does not make sense. It usually comes off as overused and excessive. It would be much more effective to focus on improving the quality of technological devices with time and creating illustrious plots that do not need 3D technology.
2. Successful older musicians: Fame doesn’t permit inappropriate decisions. Current young superstars need to learn from experienced predecessors. Madonna enjoyed immense success in the ‘80s. Her latest re-emergence into the music industry, though, is cringe-worthy at best.
Madonna does not allow age to deter her from risky career moves. The 54-year-old performed hit songs as well as material from her newly released album in the spring at last year's Super Bowl XLVI halftime show.
Songs like “Girl Gone Wild” prove that Madonna won’t grow up. She sings, “It’s so hypnotic / The way he pulls on me.”
To make matters worse, Madonna showed up at a concert a few months ago in Istanbul, Turkey, in a top that would make even a Victoria’s Secret model blush. The audience witnessed the singer flashing her breast.
It is indisputable that Madonna is in remarkable shape and can still rile up a crowd, but it is distasteful for a middle-aged woman to act like a 20-something.
3. Pop stars of the past: Are comebacks necessary? It’s nearly impossible to erase the horrific memory of Britney Spears’s comeback performance at the VMAs in 2007. The then 26-year-old hit the stage in knee-high heeled boots and an immodest pair of glittering underwear drawling, “Gimme More.” It was a laughable comeback for the previously big pop star.
Since then, Spears has regained some of her dignity. On the other hand, after more recent musical endeavors, it’s difficult to predict a continuation of success for years to come.
4. Reality shows: Farewell, brain cells. For several decades, TV shows have served as a means of entertainment for millions of people. A disturbingly large amount of mindless reality shows have trickled in over the past couple years. While a few reality shows provide nothing but harmless self-indulgence, some veer too far on the radical spectrum.
One of the biggest offenders would be the notorious “Jersey Shore.” The show revolves around eight young adults in New Jersey. The cast members have a penchant for partying, making irresponsible choices and revealing their lack of intelligence to America.
News that “Jersey Shore” was drawing to a close gave Americans false hope. A spinoff series, “Snooki & JWoww,” was introduced over the summer. Instead of implementing more filth into television diets, a decent amount of quality entertainment must be produced before more brain cells are lost.
5. When bad music happens to great people: trading esteemed reputations for laughable careers. At the peak of his prime, Sonny Moore was on fire. He lent his haunting vocals to From First to Last, a rock band under Epitaph Records. From First to Last’s four-year stint with Moore garnered a large following. Fans fell in love with songs such as “The Latest Plague,” where the need for societal norms is questioned between crashing drums and brilliantly played guitars. His skills as both a singer and a screamer were imperative to the band’s success.
However, the reverie was broken when the lead singer developed an issue with his throat. In October 2006, Moore underwent throat surgery. By the time 2007 rolled around, he decided to leave From First to Last to pursue a solo career. The band's listeners were distraught upon finding out that the talented singer became Skrillex. Skrillex has served as the essence of dubstep, music defined by bothersome robotic-like musical progressions.
Since Moore’s departure from the band, From First to Last fell apart completely. From First to Last fans are mourning the loss of the band, as well as the beloved singer and the rise of his new headache-inducing music.
Reach the reporter at lrogoff@asu.edu
