The Weekly Roundup (week of 6.5)

The Idol is melting brains (on twitter) and CNN is melting down.

1. The Weeknd Remade Pop Music. Will The Idol Remake The Weeknd?

God the controversy around this show is occupying way more space in my mind than it really should. I am disappointed with the state of cultural discourse on the internet but at this point, I’ve learned that my relationship with internet drama and dumb news is part of what drives me, it’s my raison d’étre as a marketer. I am one with the discourse and the discourse is one with me. This profile of The Weeknd in Vanity Fair was really good and did a great job of keeping a neutral stance on the controversy. Check it out! I can’t help but inject my own opinion but its wild watching the reaction to media. When I was growing up I remember defending Rap music from people who thought it was too vulgar, watching Bill O’Reilly tear into Hip-Hop was maddening. Most of the restrictions and inhibitions placed on the creation of art and media were from the usual suspects (right-wing evangelicals), but today it’s just the same shit dressed up in flowery academic language sans the appeals to Christianity. This is basically the political horseshoe theory but for media outrage. Let’s be honest, the first episode was mid as fuck. The visuals were sick, but for the most part, the writing was sub-par. However, I can’t help but feel like they’re doing something transgressive. It has a punk-rock edge, and the Fuck-You attitude from The Weeknd and the show’s producers is something I can respect, and which is clearly fueling its rise as the most-watched show on television. Sam Levinson makes hit tv-shows and I don’t see that changing with The Idol (regardless of quality).

2. What the crisis at CNN means

Not a great week for Chris Licht, and certainly not a good one for CNN as they struggle to shift the business to an upward trajectory. Thanks to my friend at Day 1 Agency for highlighting this piece, it’s a good summary of the events that transpired and the outlook for cable news as a whole. Read here.

3. Helicopter Parents Show Up in the Workplace

Anxious parents are filling out job applications, appearing at interviews and mediating work conflicts; ‘my mom doesn’t think it’s a good idea’

Jesus fucking christ, if you ever do this as a parent you are sick in the head and CPS should take your kid away because you're permanently stunting their development. I love this article because it serves its true purpose, to get my blood pressure up, scream “why the fuck!”, and drive clicks. Enjoy.

4. The Making of Emily Bode, America’s Next Great Fashion Designer

She’s the best, what more can you say? I love this brand, I just wish I could afford more of their stuff. Check out the profile here.