The Gray Area with Sean Illing The death of cool
Aug 5, 2021
Writer and artist Safy-Hallan Farah discusses the ever-evolving concept of 'cool,' tracing its transformation from the 1990s to today. The conversation dives into how generational differences shape perceptions, influenced by factors like class and consumption. They explore the impact of social media on identity and the quest for authenticity, particularly among Gen Z. Farah also shares humorous anecdotes reflecting on the challenges of cultivating taste in a culture where everything is accessible, revealing the complex interplay between personal identity and societal norms.
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Vintage Consumption
- Safy-Hallan Farah discusses her obsession with vintage items.
- Though aware it doesn't reflect character, she feels a need to acquire these items, linking consumption to performance and signaling.
Digital Signifiers
- Pre-digital platforms like MySpace and early Facebook served as tools for curating and signaling cultural capital through listed tastes.
- This curation became a sorting mechanism, connecting users with similar interests.
Visual Signaling
- Safy-Hallan Farah observes young people posing with books or items in photos.
- They visually signal intellectualism or refined taste, a more direct approach than previous generations' text-based signaling.
