By Sara Bright
Pop culture is more than just entertainment. It is a reflection of our society, our values, and our aspirations. It is also a powerful force that can influence our behaviour, our opinions, and our emotions. In 2021, pop culture was shaped by many factors, such as the pandemic, the social movements, the technological innovations, and the political events. Here are some of the highlights of pop culture in 2021 and how they impacted our lives.
The Pandemic and Its Effects on Pop Culture
The COVID-19 pandemic was the most defining event of 2021, affecting every aspect of our lives, including pop culture. The pandemic forced us to stay at home, limit our social interactions, and adapt to new ways of working, learning, and entertaining ourselves. As a result, we consumed more digital content than ever before, from streaming platforms, social media, podcasts, video games, and online courses. Some of the most popular shows and movies of 2021 were related to the pandemic, such as Contagion, The Social Dilemma, The Queen’s Gambit, and Tiger King. We also witnessed the rise of new trends and phenomena, such as TikTok, Zoom, Animal Crossing, and virtual concerts.
The pandemic also challenged the traditional models of pop culture production and distribution, as many studios, theatres, festivals, and venues had to shut down or postpone their activities. Some of the most anticipated movies and events of 2021 were delayed or released online, such as Black Widow, No Time to Die, Wonder Woman 1984, The Oscars, and The Eurovision Song Contest. On the other hand, the pandemic also created opportunities for new and diverse voices to emerge and reach wider audiences, such as Parasite, Nomadland, Schitt’s Creek, and The Old Guard.
The Social Movements and Their Influence on Pop Culture
Another major factor that shaped pop culture in 2021 was the social movements that demanded justice, equality, and change. The most prominent ones were the Black Lives Matter movement, the Me Too movement, the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and the environmental movement. These movements inspired and influenced many pop culture creators and consumers, who used their platforms and voices to raise awareness, express solidarity, and advocate for action. Some of the most notable examples of pop culture that reflected or supported these movements were The Trial of the Chicago 7, Da 5 Bloods, Promising Young Woman, Happiest Season, and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet.
The social movements also challenged the status quo and the norms of pop culture, exposing and confronting the issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and oppression. Some of the most controversial and impactful moments of pop culture in 2021 were the death of George Floyd, the arrest of Harvey Weinstein, the coming out of Elliot Page, and the boycott of Facebook.
The Technological Innovations and Their Impact on Pop Culture
Technology is always a driving force of pop culture, as it enables new forms of creation, consumption, and communication. In 2021, technology was especially important, as it helped us cope with the pandemic and its consequences. Some of the most significant technological innovations and developments that influenced pop culture in 2021 were the 5G network, the artificial intelligence, the augmented reality, and the blockchain. These technologies enabled new and improved experiences, such as faster and smoother streaming, smarter and more personalized recommendations, more immersive and interactive gaming, and more secure and transparent transactions.
Technology also posed new challenges and risks for pop culture, such as the ethical, legal, and social implications of data privacy, content moderation, misinformation, and cyberattacks. Some of the most alarming and intriguing examples of pop culture that explored or exposed these issues were The Social Dilemma, The Great Hack, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, and The Mandalorian.
The Political Events and Their Role in Pop Culture
Politics is always intertwined with pop culture, as it reflects and affects the values, beliefs, and attitudes of the people. In 2021, politics was especially relevant and influential, as it was marked by many important and dramatic events, such as the US presidential election, the Brexit deal, the Hong Kong protests, and the Beirut explosion. These events inspired and influenced many pop culture creators and consumers, who used their platforms and voices to inform, persuade, and mobilize the public. Some of the most notable examples of pop culture that commented or participated in these events were The West Wing, The Crown, Mulan, and BTS.
Politics also generated new conflicts and tensions for pop culture, such as the ideological, cultural, and economic clashes between different groups, countries, and regions. Some of the most heated and divisive moments of pop culture in 2021 were the Capitol riot, the Meghan and Harry interview, the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Oscars.
Pop culture is a mirror and a maker of our times. It reflects our realities, our dreams, and our fears. It also shapes our identities, our communities, and our futures. In 2021, pop culture was influenced by many factors, such as the pandemic, the social movements, the technological innovations, and the political events. These factors created new opportunities and challenges, new trends and phenomena, new expressions and messages, and new impacts and outcomes. Pop culture in 2021 was diverse, dynamic, and disruptive. It was also meaningful, memorable, and influential.