Pop Culture in Review for 2021

Pop culture includes traditions of the culture in different societies. It comprises music, art, literature, as well as fashion. The world has modernized not only in terms of technology but also in pop culture. It began in the mid-19th century and got popular after World War II. It represents the status as well as the class of culture.

In addition to movies, TV serials, music, and fashion, which came to the rescue during this year’s outbreak, pop culture also came to the rescue in 2020 (to know more, check out Pop Culture in Review for 2020). We have witnessed some captivating moments this year that kept us distracted and occupied, and of course, we are thankful for them in 2021. Some of these events are:

Music

Music

The theme song of one of our favorite TV shows, Wandavision, by Kathryn Hahn, got stuck in the minds of most of us. If you have listened to it once, you will still be humming, “it’s been Agatha all around.” It wasn’t expected that Marvel’s first TV series would gain popularity. The mutating Avant-folk of Canadian singer Tamara Lindeman touches the skies as her fifth album comes out. Her album consists of unanswerable questions as she usually sings about love, healing, grief, and lust. 

In 2021, rap music reached its peak, not only in Europe and Africa but also in the subcontinent. Different rap stars came to prime light during this year. Patrick Morales, a 27-year-old rapper, remains at the top with his song “All I Need” in his recent album Wiki, “the half God.”

Fashion

Fashion

Live fashion shows with social distancing took place this year. Just like every year, Anna Wintour threw a party this year too. Where this annual Met Gala event allows Hollywood stars and fashion designers to meet and talk to each other and the politicians and patrons, it also engages the whole world in judging and discussing their favorite looks and criticizing the others. 

This year, the theme of the Met Gala was American Independence, and there we saw a lot of unique and impressive ideas. In addition, there was also an Oscar award show and Grammy’s award fashion show. After its virtual presentation in 2020, the Fashion award show returned to the Royal Albert Hall in 2021. It was hosted by Billy Potter. Kristen McMenamy’s look was impressive and decent.

After the US presidential election, the inauguration of President Joe Bidden and Vice President Kamala Harris put a spotlight on traditional American fashion. The whole fashion industry was in a state of shock and grief after the unexpected death of the former creative director of Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, at the age of 59. Just before his death, Elbaz launched his new fashion venture, AZ factory, with Richemont. 

Film

2021 was a pretty chaotic movie year because many movies which were to be released in 2020 were delayed. Theaters reopened after a year, and movies were back; people rushed to cinema halls to watch their favorite ones. So, a lot of movies were released, and it is difficult to name all of them. But some names that remain hit on Box office are Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Dune, and About Endlessness

Roy Anderson’s About Endlessness is an extension of the inquiries he began with his songs. The question of this film is about the meaning of our earthly predicaments and our life after death, like what is waiting for us in the other world. 

Last year, the trend #bakingbananabread was trending. This year, the #FreeBrittney Movement was started for the famous singer Britney Spears. The movement was in action for quite a time, but it gained momentum when The New York Times filmed a documentary on Britney. After that, the whole world was behind Britney, and finally, the conservatorship was terminated in November 2021.

After doing cinema for approximately four years, Harry Styles returns to the industry. He is currently doing his project for Oscar glory. His recent role was of the husband of Florence Pugh, in Olivia Wilde’s recent film Don’t Worry Darling. Olivia’s last project was a big success, and we hope that this film will also earn some nods in the next Oscar awards. 

“I Blame Society” by Gillian Wallace Horvat has a unique story. It is a bitterly dark comedy in which the girl finds killing to be more creative and fulfilling than working and earning to finance her film. But it does not seem to change the way that one who has power can choose what is wrong and what is right.

Television

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-a-couch-in-front-of-a-television-4009402/

Compared to 2020, which was all about binge-watching comfort shows, TV has significantly changed in 2021. We were able to move out and enjoy, but there are still some TV shows that keep us seated on our couches. Although there were production difficulties, some shows came out with good content and won the audience’s hearts. There was at least one blockbuster series each month. 

‘Sweet Tooth’ by Jeff Lemire, based on the DC comics, on Netflix has managed to keep the balance perfectly. The show is about a mysterious pandemic that killed almost everyone in the world except some strange, animal-like children who remained alive. The story is about a boy who wants to discover and change the world outside his small village.

When we were desperately waiting for something nostalgic to come, there was “Friends Reunion,” perfectly on time. It was like catching up with an old friend in real life, which feels both heartwarming and a little bit awkward too. Watching six friends’ reunion was like watching Merry-Go round of your familiar faces, which is undoubtedly sweet and heartwarming. The “Friends Reunion” gave us a timely lesson not to look in the past when the future is so uncertain.

A South Korean series, Squid Game, by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix broke the records. This series is about hundreds of people accepting an invitation to compete in a children’s game for an intriguing prize. The real twist occurs when the surviving players return to the real world and realize that it is no better than the dangerous inhabitants within. It was full of suspense and thriller that no one could resist binge-watching.

News

At the start of this year, Trump’s presidency ended, and elected president Biden joined the White House. It resulted in a change in the policies that Trump was working on. This change has had a significant effect on the world and its economy.

In March, China launched its 14th five-year plan (2021-2025) and long-range objectives through 2035 at the National People’s Congress. This five-year plan was about the “Made in China 2025” policy; this strategy would make China the leading industrial power by 2049.

The 2020 summer Olympics was organized in august 2021 in Tokyo. Athletes from around the world participated in different games, with US athletes winning the most gold medals and China being the second.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, an American journalist, was just jaw-dropping. For about a month, it was a hot topic that everyone discussed. It was iconic when Oprah asked Megan, “Were you silent or were you silenced.” 

Technology

Social media continue to grow in 2021 too. Social media is not only used for entertainment but also for business, marketing, and educating people. Talking about social media apps in 2021 without acknowledging TikTok is impossible. 

TikTok is a short video-sharing app, which reached its peak popularity in 2021. Many celebrities and amateur creators share their content, such as dance videos, cooking demonstrations, makeovers, and funny content. This app is top-rated among the young audience due to its short and entertaining content, and its audience is from different age groups.

Hollywood 

Hollywood

Bennifer, the hottest couple in Hollywood, proves that the love was real. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s affair, which was started in 2001 on the set of the worst movie Gigli, now became official. Although they were engaged in 2002 but marriage was canceled a year later. After many years, the couple finally announced what the fans were waiting for. The couple rekindled their relationship, proving that the love was real.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary lavishly, breaking the rumors of their separation. Jonas shared a video of their romantic anniversary dinner on his social media account. Chopra also appeared in the video waving with flowers, candles, and a giant “forever” sign surrounding them.

We know that Meghan had filed a case against UK tabloid publishers for their infringement on her privacy. After winning this court appeal, Meghan Markle issued her statement saying that “this is a victory not just for me but for everyone who has ever felt scared to stand up for what is right.” 

Sandra Bullock revealed her post-traumatic stress disorder. In the Red Table talk show, the Oscar winner singer speaks about her post-traumatic stress disorder after her home invasion in 2014. Her home was invaded in 2014 when she was in her house. She said the event had completely changed her life, and she hadn’t been alone since then.

Conclusion

This year, we saw a huge variation around the world’s entertainment industry. Zoom meetings enabled us to continue our business and educational activities. 

Memes also got hype in 2021. Though there were plenty of social media meme pages before 2021, this year has allowed tremendous people to enter this circle. People love to be entertained, and meme pages are some of the main ways of elevating your mood. If we ponder a little, we will come to know that pop culture has become a part of our lives. We cannot live without it.  Pop culture has been and will continue to evolve.